Whoa , come back to my post n seems there is someone with real attitude . The term cager used in this thread and being spouted of to fellow riders is proper laughable . Any way think I gonna try a hi Viz vest . And before any one says ohh ya wife made me then yeah ya bang on .
Well, I read an article 30 years ago, was on a study done in London, they watched traffic and it's reaction to motorcycles fitted with extra lighting. Was interesting, as made no difference, until bike had like 10+ lights !!! And for those who think I am just a naysayer, I had a one piece Wet Weather Suit made by Garbro in Melbourne Australia it was a bright orange not quite fluorescent but dam BRIGHT and I still got hit on two occasions,, was reversed into in a car park and hit whilst low speed filtering,, whilst riding A Big Faired Silver Laverda RGS 1000, lights were on and fitted with loud pipes !!! Cheers Capt.
Keep up the Attitude, I'm with you ! It's up to US to ride SAFELY, and be aware most people drive cars, So Statistically most of the D#£ks are in cars. Ride On Ride Safe, make as much noise as necessary to achieve it!! Cheers Capt.
Red Baron, you obviously pick and choose what you want to believe. In some states in America, helmets are optional, and in those states single vehicle (motor cycle) deaths is significantly lower!! Must be because without a helmet they don't feel invincible and therefore ride in a much more sensible/safer manner ???? It's not the Equipment it's the Operator that keeps you safe !!!!
Like I said - when presented with evidence you choose to ignore it. I don't assume other drivers/riders seem me that's why ride defensively, like I taught other riders to do when I was a motorcycle instructor and when I passed my IAM test. I wear a Hi Vis jacket because it "increases" my chances of being seen. It's not a magic shield, it's just another tool in your kit bag. And I have ridden continuously for a lot longer than you and have over (well over) 1 million miles under my belt. To be honest anyone one who thinks Hi Vis clothing doesn't make your presence to other road users more obvious is either blind or stupid. Whether you chose to wear it is up to you. but don't criticise those who do.
Hi viz on ave a personal choice… having said that, I would highly recommend doing a bker down course… not only does it enlighten us how to help/react in an incident situation but they cover the pros and cons of different hi viz options ! http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/road-safety/road-safety-for-bikers/ More links to local courses should be on this site
Everyone has an opinion … some ride sports bikes, some tourers etc… same with safety related equipment that's not law, end of day it is only an opinion and everyone is entitled to their thoughts and choices , just cause you may not personally agree with something doesn't mean you have to slate things or people!! Now that's just my opinion!
Did one a few weeks ago. Very good, though they did suggest that Hi Vis PINK was the best colour. That's a step to far for me.
I can believe you would be noticed and the reason would be, 'Look at that big soft F***er in his PINK hi-viz vest' PINK is even worse than POLITE Step too far me thinks!
Statistics are deceitful depending how you read them. The death being higher with helmets you need to factor the age, which is higher on 30 years old or less, on most accidents the alcohol blood content was more than .08, speed was also a factor and the time at which it happen 9pm to 6am, urban versus rural accidents and then yes, you can incorrectly infer/deduct that helmets even kill people. The no helmets riders I see constantly on the road: Harley riders (big bike with lots of shiny chrome and lights). Ride in groups (safety in numbers) Ride at lower than marked speed limit (35-45 mph). Ride longer distances, so their awareness is higher of unknown surroundings compared to lowering your guard on known/familiar surroundings. They are a more mature crowd and can you say more responsible??? The facts are: We practice a dangerous hobby, we have no cage (car) protecting us. We are a spec on a drivers mirror and we are not visible to a distracted driver. Given, that anyone riding knows or should have taken a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. A helmet will protect you from a more serious trauma. I can hit you with a bat on the head, do you want a helmet or not??? The rest is optional as you say and I agree. I would never want politicians telling me what to do with my riding choices, as with how many guns, rifles and ammo I can own here in Texas. I ride at reasonable speeds, never impaired or under the influence, protected with top quality gear and staying as visible as I can. These OPTIONS or my choices, have kept me riding intact since 12 yo. to 57 years young (not a NEWBIE by far, sorry Andy). Enjoy your riding and be as safe as you want. No skill will save you, if you can't be seen at day time or night. Wonder why they make some road signs so small, but then painted in very bright colors or reflective???
Already bikes have day running light in my opinion make it more difficult to estimate the speed of the approaching bike, if Hi Viz is law it wouldn't stop people pulling out on you because they don't understand how to drive with a motorcycling mind, All drivers should have to spend a year on a moped/low powered motorcycle then they would realise how vulnerable we are and drive accordingly. I'm not saying we are all angels either.
Red Baron wrote: Statistics are deceitful depending how you read them. My favourite quote on stats is that they should be used like a drunk uses a lamppost - for support not illumination.
