How does colour on your gear affect your safety?

[p.dath]

I'm starting to look at replacing my gear at the moment. I've been thinking about getting a jacket with some colour in it, like red or yellow, because I'm thinking it will make me more visible.

While talking to one retail bike shop I asked them about the colours different jackets are available in, and expressed my desire to be more visible without looking like a flourescent knob.

They told me they didn't think colour made any difference to visibility, and I might as well stick with a simple black jacket.

I know this is a bit subjective, but what are your opinions on this matter? Should I hold out and get something with a bit of colour in it, or not worry about it?

[98tls]

Would say that anything helps i guess but from my experiance not even having a brightly cloured bike makes them see you any better,for my money always ride with your headlight on not that even that guarantees anything.

[pete376403]

White crash helmet makes cagers take notice - they think you're a cop.

(Riding down South earlier, wearing a white helmet and a bright yellow flouro jacket. Bike is a KLR but has a very bright headlight. Came up behind a car just before the bridge into Blenhiem and the old biddy driving took a glance in the mirror and pulled to the side of the road. I'm sure she thought I was a cop)

[vifferman]

Whelp, back when I had my Evil Black Viffer, I bought a red'n'black Teknic jacket (mostly red). I still had my old black leather jacket. I noticed on days when I communtered wearing all black, motorists tended to get out of my way more than when I wore the red jacket. I think I was more scary wearing a black helmet, gloves, jacket and pants on a black bike, then wearing a 'friendly' red jacket and ghey gloves (black, yellow and silver).
It's not at all scientific, but I never crashed wearing the leather jacket*. I crashed "a few times" wearing the Teknic. :whistle:

FWIW, if you're communtering frequently, you will get covered in road spooge and traffic fumes. If you're wearing black, it won't show, so you won't need to wash your gear...







* Of course, the frequency of times I ended up on the road had nothing to do with me selling the black leather jacket shortly after buying the bike...

[Badjelly]

...and expressed my desire to be more visible without looking like a flourescent knob.

And what's wrong with looking like a fluorescent knob? Scared people will snigger behind your back? Poor wee dear.

[Drew]

Get a Lucky strike jacket. Mostly white, with red bits.

I only ever wanted one cos they are cool as all fuck, and were the colours Swantz rode, but if you wanna add safety to the list of reasons to get...

[Rob Taylor]

Stay with Black,,If ya wear bright stuff you make a very visible target.Your headlight on is the best way to be seen....Unless you ride a BMW:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[duckonin]

Study others out there and yes colour does make a difference, maybe more so the helmet from behind first up, then your jacket hivis stands out a long way...Front on distance wise your headlight, by a winning margin closer up your helmet then jacket...

My wife wears a pink jacket hard to keep clean sure, but it can be seen a long way off, when approaching from behind, yep go for a bit of colour Yellow, pink, black and white, together work well, I wear black (leather) but my helmets are my key along with blazing lights..

Still a heap will not see you as they drive along in their own world...

[sunhuntin]

i honestly dont think they make much difference with all the blind car drivers we seem to have here. sometimes i reckon i could hook up LED xmas lights and still have near misses. however, i will wear a fluro vest in dark conditions just for my own peace of mind. i feel the reflective bits help a lot. my rjays pants have a thin strip of reflective material down both legs, and i found that a lot more cars saw me than if i was wearing jeans etc.

[gilly]

I've got a glorious high vis vest supplied by ACC.

Who cares what you look like.

[caseye]

Will it hurt to try it?
No , so go on buy the brightest one you can find, make sure it lights up good at night too!
Give it a month or two then come tell us what you've noticed, or not noticed about wearing it.

[98tls]

I've got a glorious high vis vest supplied by ACC.

Who cares what you look like. Xactly,look as stupid as you like i care not.:shifty:

[P38]

I just got a new camo jacket.

Funny thing is it sticks out llike dogs balls in the visability dept.

132090

$130 from Living the dream in Hamilton

http://www.livingthedreammc.co.nz/

[AllanB]

Shit man - car drivers can not tell what colour your skin is under you bike gear:confused:


There was an article in The Press that summer we were all killing each other on the roads - a comment was passed that riders in reflective gear were perceived as 'whimps' by some drivers, whereas they stayed clear of a hard arse biker in tatty old leathers.

I believe black helmets are dangerous - I find when driving a car a coloured helmet much easier to spot. And that's from someone with a black bike and black leathers (coloured helmet though). If you have a black helmet paint some bright flames, racing stripes or skulls on it.

[James Deuce]

It makes no difference at all. There are no statistical indicators to suggest that fluoro vests and white helmets make any difference at all. If it's any help I see more riders with fluoro jackets having a lie down in peak hour traffic than I do people wearing practically anything else.

You're invisible. Get over it, get used to it, and FFS don't lecture people about what they wear.

[Mikkel]

Who cares what you look like.

Certainly not the other motorists. They won't see you anyway...

[PrincessBandit]

p.dath, wear whatever you feel comfortable and confident in. While "bright colours" would surely be more eyecatching than flat black (or shiny pvc black...oops, where did that come from?) it certainly is best to NOT rely on your clothing to make you more visible. Riding proactively to protect your "bubble" is better than hoping you'll be seen.

You are most likely only going to look like a fluorescent knob if your outfit consists of a fluorescent tutu, halo, and pixie wings. Somehow I don't think we'll see you dressed like that (unless it's for a Toy Run maybe).

[LaytonNZ]

Welll.....Didnt help me! I HAD a blue helmet red bike red jacket red pants and i still got hurtedddd!

[NDORFN]

Trust me, if a cager doesn't see you, it's coz they're not fucken looking. You could be lit up like Vegas and it wont make one bit of diff if they're not looking in your direction. Headlights are the best you can do, keep 'em on!

[CookMySock]

I noticed on days when I communtered wearing all black, motorists tended to get out of my way more than when I wore the red jacket. I think I was more scary wearing a black helmet, gloves, jacket and pants on a black bike, then wearing a 'friendly' red jacket and ghey gloves (black, yellow and silver).I agree. Which is a bitch, coz I just bought a new red jacket.. sigh.. not thinking..


And what's wrong with looking like a fluorescent knob? Scared people will snigger behind your back? Poor wee dear.Hehe, the problem is they think you are weak, and they will fuck wit choo on the road. Not good! Look black and nasty, and they WON'T fuck wit choo, on account of they might get dead.


There was an article in The Press that summer [...] a comment was passed that riders in reflective gear were perceived as 'whimps' by some drivers, whereas they stayed clear of a hard arse biker in tatty old leathers.Damn straight. Dress like an asshole and you get no problems at all. Little do they know we are mild mannered bikers going home to peel the spuds, but that suits me.

Steve

[DarkLord]

I noticed on days when I communtered wearing all black, motorists tended to get out of my way more

Yes, that makes sense. All of my gear is black and when I am on the road I often see car drivers pulling to one side to get out of my way. Perhaps the whole "Black Rider" thing puts them off? :devil2:

I like the idea of the white helmet and yellow fluorescent vest as well.

[yungatart]

Colour may (or may not) make you more visible, but it definitely will NOT make you safer.
Only you can do that!

[gwigs]

Got to agree on wearing all black.... I have also noticed how cagers pull over to let you pass when Im all in black....Hey in the movies all the Baddies wear black .I wear all black but if I,m going out on Aucks murderways at night I slip on a flouro vest :ride:

[vifferman]

I was wearing my fluoro bib attachment thingo on my jacket for only one reason: my wife asked me to (she bought me the jacket fro Christmas / my birthday). And because I thought it might make a difference if a cop pulled me up and thought I was being 'safe'. I have a suspicion I rode more recklessly when wearing it, much like most people cosseted by all the modern safety gear. I definitely ride much more carefully when not wearing ATGATT. Hang on - doesn't that mean that I NEVER wear ATGATT? Hmmmm.... conundrum...
However (but!) [luckily] one of the tabs on my jacket to which the vest attachmentises is starting to rip, so of course I can't wear the gehy fluoro vest attachment thingo any more.
What a damned shame....

[MSTRS]

It makes no difference at all. There are no statistical indicators to suggest that fluoro vests and white helmets make any difference at all. If it's any help I see more riders with fluoro jackets having a lie down in peak hour traffic than I do people wearing practically anything else.

You're invisible. Get over it, get used to it, and FFS don't lecture people about what they wear.

Perhaps you see them because of the bright colours and you just miss the others? :bleh:
FWIW I'm with those that say it makes little or no difference. As long as you wear (good) protective gear for if/when it turns to custard.

[CookMySock]

I definitely ride much more carefully when not wearing ATGATT. Curious isn't it.. Then are you safer when you are fully ATGATT or not? Seriously.. think about that.

I'ts like insurance.. Uninsured riders are going to FUCKen careful, especially on a newer bike. Insured riders - not so much. We can debate which is safer all day, but at first glance which one would you rather have on your six?

Steve
p.s lets not have another insurance war pls :confused:

[pritch]

My gear is either black or black. So were my helmets, and so was my bike. That all seemed a bit over the top - so I bought a yellow hat and then a red bike. Well, not just to be visible but I guess it all helps...

I wouldn't mind a jacket like one of those yellow and grey BMW ones to help with the visibility, but definitely don't like the idea of a fluoro safety vest.

Each to his own.

[phoenixgtr]

Hmmm...it's funny alot of people say it makes no difference.

I have two sets of gear:

1. A black cordura jacket and silver/black helmet
2. A red/white/black leather jacket and red/white helmet.

I have ALOT more incidents with cars pulling out in front of me etc. when I'm wearing the black gear. Plain and simple

[cambridgedan]

i think that they should make some gear thats fluro and looks mean :D

[Hitcher]

I reckon the safest thing a biker could wear is a Harry Potter Cloak Of Invisibility(TM).

Motorists and others would react immediately, saying "Wow, look at that bike riding itself! Isn't that cool."

[Quasievil]

Having colour is better from a safety perspective, actually only last nigh on the Auckland Motorway a bike was lane splitting on dusk, from the rear he was virtually invisible in black, no question its safer.......cooler well thats another debate.

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[MsKABC]

I think other things that you do as a rider are more important to your safety than wearing bright colours. You can wear a neon sign if you want, but it won't help you if you ride like a knob or make other poor decisions. Example: the bloke I saw the other day riding in an orange high-vis vest.....and shorts. :doh:

I'm of the opinion that other road users won't see you regardless of how visible you make yourself, if their observation skills suck.

[Quasievil]

I think other things that you do as a rider are more important to your safety than wearing bright colours. You can wear a neon sign if you want, but it won't help you if you ride like a knob or make other poor decisions. Example: the bloke I saw the other day riding in an orange high-vis vest.....and shorts. :doh:

I'm of the opinion that other road users won't see you regardless of how visible you make yourself, if their observation skills suck.

yes to that, however its a big picture and ideally if you minimise each potential safety issue from the condition of your tyres to brighter gear to only riding on sunny days etc etc etc it makes for a safer rider.............but where do you stop lol things like practicalities tend to get in the way also

[MsKABC]

yes to that, however its a big picture and ideally if you minimise each potential safety issue from the condition of your tyres to brighter gear to only riding on sunny days etc etc etc it makes for a safer rider.............but where do you stop lol things like practicalities tend to get in the way also

Absolutely, I agree - we should do everything possible to make ourselves safer. My point was though (and I do have one), it's pointless worrying about visibility if we don't address the other issues :D

[cambridgedan]

I reckon the safest thing a biker could wear is a Harry Potter Cloak Of Invisibility(TM).

Motorists and others would react immediately, saying "Wow, look at that bike riding itself! Isn't that cool."

haha that would be funni

[MaxCannon]

My perspective is that it doesn't matter a damn what you wear if the other people on the road aren't looking in the first place.

Relying on bright colours to get you notice is going to end in tears.

If you assume everyone else on the road is out to kill you and ride accordingly you'll be a lot safer.

Even in the car I always assume that other vehicles will pull in front of me / cut we up.

Plan for the worst / hope for the best.

[CookMySock]

Even in the car I always assume that other vehicles will pull in front of me / cut we up. Plan for the worst / hope for the best.Strangely, I have stopped doing that recently. I was getting to the point where everywhere I went I was scared out of my wits of some dumbass doing some horrific stunt in front of me, where basically that wasn't happening.

I don't have a lot of people pulling out in front of me, and if someone does decide to make a gap where there wasn't one then bikes can fit through any little hole in the traffic quite happily. So it's more about not panicing and calmly select a new line and ride around them.


Steve

[prettybillie]

Having colour is better from a safety perspective, actually only last nigh on the Auckland Motorway a bike was lane splitting on dusk, from the rear he was virtually invisible in black, no question its safer.......cooler well thats another debate.

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We suggest these.

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/09-qrace-jackets/the-viper-2009


http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/09-qrace-jackets/rapid-blue-qrace-2009

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/09-qrace-jackets/rapid-red-qrace-2009

Go for Quasi - his gear rocks!!!!

[MsBehaving]

Hello from South Africa!!

Here we have an organisation called ThinkBike and one of the things we promote is visibility. We print hi-viz jackets with the logo in reflective fabric that you can wear over your bike gear. We have just released pink jackets for the ladies! The jackets have been proven to work much better than any of the coloured gear on the market. You are visible and people tend to notice you much better than with plain black or even coloured gear.

[James Deuce]

The jackets have been proven to work much better than any of the coloured gear on the market. You are visible and people tend to notice you much better than with plain black or even coloured gear.

By whom? None of the literature I've read suggests that reflective jackets make any difference to motorcycle accidents. Except for the stuff written by 3M think tanks. The second half of your argument has been deconstructed ad nauseum. Now that the majority of nerds on bikes are wearing reflective vests, I can guarantee that the people standing out on motorcycles are the ones with their lights off and no reflective vest. If everyone follows the same herd behaviour, they quickly become nothing more than barely seen scenery.

[MsBehaving]

By whom? None of the literature I've read suggests that reflective jackets make any difference to motorcycle accidents. Except for the stuff written by 3M think tanks. The second half of your argument has been deconstructed ad nauseum. Now that the majority of nerds on bikes are wearing reflective vests, I can guarantee that the people standing out on motorcycles are the ones with their lights off and no reflective vest. If everyone follows the same herd behaviour, they quickly become nothing more than barely seen scenery.

I agree with the herd behaviour, but when you see motorist behaviour (we call drivers "cagers" and cars "cages"!!) when they see a reflective jacket in their rearview mirror, it should be enough of an argument in favour of it. I must also point out that we have a lot of roadworks around our major cities right now because of the Soccer World Cup next year, plus we have a major project for a new train system around where I live, so the yellow reflective jackets have faded a bit into nothingness because of the road workers. But, I tested the pink jacket when we were still contemplating it for the market and the reaction from cagers was remarkable. Whether they think they have to get out the way of a female rider or if it actually was the jacket, I'll never know :lol:

In terms of accidents, I don't have statistics because of the way accidents are reported, but within the community of ThinkBike and those wearing the jacket (purely voluntary, you understand) we have few reported "bad" accidents (every accident is bad, but I'm sure you get my meaning). The jacket is not a safety device and it is not designed to keep you safe in all circumstances, but it does give you higher visibility out there. And as one post mentioned, NOTHING will keep you safe if you ride like a knob!

[ratast]

My rear indicators are wired so they flash along with the brake lights and by the amount of comments I get I know they are highly visible. Going to States next month and bringing back a headlight modulator. This can flash 240 times a second when I depress horn button.Perfect for flashing at dozy drivers at intersections or dipsticks engrossed in their texting.
When riding with my wife , she ties a plastic bag on to sissy bar. Flutters in the wind wonderfully.
Please don't rain up North this weekend
Cheers Ratast

[p.dath]

Hello from South Africa!!

Here we have an organisation called ThinkBike and one of the things we promote is visibility. We print hi-viz jackets with the logo in reflective fabric that you can wear over your bike gear. We have just released pink jackets for the ladies! The jackets have been proven to work much better than any of the coloured gear on the market. You are visible and people tend to notice you much better than with plain black or even coloured gear.

I'm very interested in this proof. If I could find a study suggesting this then I may consider slightly different gear. Could you post a URL to this study please.

ps. Not interested in here-say. Want an actual comprehensive report to read.

[dogsnbikes]

I'm starting to look at replacing my gear at the moment. I've been thinking about getting a jacket with some colour in it, like red or yellow, because I'm thinking it will make me more visible.

While talking to one retail bike shop I asked them about the colours different jackets are available in, and expressed my desire to be more visible without looking like a flourescent knob.

They told me they didn't think colour made any difference to visibility, and I might as well stick with a simple black jacket.

I know this is a bit subjective, but what are your opinions on this matter? Should I hold out and get something with a bit of colour in it, or not worry about it?

Next time your out on the road ask yourself what is the first thing you notice when you see a bike..I can garrantee it wont be the colour of thier jacket

[RAC]

heres a couple of net article that drew info from studies. I remember reading one a couple of years ago whilst doing research into motorcycle accident and injury profiles for a uni paper, there was little evidence as to why (and dispute over if) hi viz etc made a difference, however the idea was floated by those doing the study that the individual that wears this type of gear (bright helmets was the most significant as i recall) was inherently more likely to have a more safety orientated attitude, and therefore less likely to end up as a hood ornament.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/07/motorcycle-safe.html

Accidents were found to be significantly reduced by using motorcycle headlamps and by the rider wearing a high-visibility yellow, orange, or bright red jacket. The study did not identify a clear link between motorcycle color and safety. The report said the color is likely to be insignificant because the accidents were most often frontal, where little of the motorcycle color would be visible to the other driver. Motorcycles equipped with fairings and windshields may improve visibility.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/european-motorcycle-accidents-report-maids-2nd-edition-available.htm

One of the most interesting aspects of the report is not the type of motorcycle, or how many horses, but it's ..... the color of your bike. Yes... Black colored motorcycle have the highest accident rate, 24.8%!!!!!!!! The safest color you can get is Gold or Chrome (only 0.1%).

[crazyhorse]

Generally speaking, those who wear fluros, are slower riders. Don't think it matters what you wear. although I never wear all black - black leathers, yes, but helmets, no. And both my bikes are coloured - easier to see than black. But, hey, each to their own.

As a thought, if you buy something coloured, and change bikes, would it clash???? i.e I have a yellow Sv, and a red jacket would not go well, however it would on the GSXR - just food for thought really

[p.dath]

heres a couple of net article that drew info from studies. I remember reading one a couple of years ago whilst doing research into motorcycle accident and injury profiles for a uni paper, there was little evidence as to why (and dispute over if) hi viz etc made a difference, however the idea was floated by those doing the study that the individual that wears this type of gear (bright helmets was the most significant as i recall) was inherently more likely to have a more safety orientated attitude, and therefore less likely to end up as a hood ornament.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2008/07/motorcycle-safe.html

Accidents were found to be significantly reduced by using motorcycle headlamps and by the rider wearing a high-visibility yellow, orange, or bright red jacket. The study did not identify a clear link between motorcycle color and safety. The report said the color is likely to be insignificant because the accidents were most often frontal, where little of the motorcycle color would be visible to the other driver. Motorcycles equipped with fairings and windshields may improve visibility.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/european-motorcycle-accidents-report-maids-2nd-edition-available.htm

One of the most interesting aspects of the report is not the type of motorcycle, or how many horses, but it's ..... the color of your bike. Yes... Black colored motorcycle have the highest accident rate, 24.8%!!!!!!!! The safest color you can get is Gold or Chrome (only 0.1%).

Thank you for this - it was exactly what I was looking for.

[jono035]

I wonder if the colour of the bike could be linked to rider attitude too? Dark colours appealing to more aggressive riders or something?

It's always hard with any study like that, separating all the variables out.

[bubs.65]

Just get a Harley! If they can't see you at least they will hear you! Heheheeh.
But seriously, I like to think that being taught to ride properly and doing a self defensive course goes a long way. I'm not experienced, only been riding just under 2 years but haven't had to put the bikes down because someone didn't see me. Have I just been lucky or have the above courses helped? I wear all black with a red/white graphic helmet.

[duckonin]

Just get a Harley! If they can't see you at least they will hear you! Heheheeh.
But seriously, I like to think that being taught to ride properly and doing a self defensive course goes a long way. I'm not experienced, only been riding just under 2 years but haven't had to put the bikes down because someone didn't see me. Have I just been lucky or have the above courses helped? I wear all black with a red/white graphic helmet.

;) You betcha those courses have helped, there is shit you learn in defensive driving classes,advanced driving schools that you will not use untill !!!!!!!! then it comes to the fore that is what it is all about..

No amount of learning is a waste of time, may u always enjoy safe riding..

[EroSamnin]

My theory is that people only see 3 things: sex, threat or food. If you are neither of those, they aren't going to see you, even if you are wearing a clown suit.

It's pretty hard for me to be sex or food when riding a bike so I try go for threat. People see bike riders wearing black as a threat because they are scarey biker people who will smash them at any opportunity. A black bike helps this image, the yellow hyobag I had made the problem worse, no one took me seriously on the road, cops wouldn't even pull me over when I was speeding!

So I wear matte grey helmet with tinted visor (more scarey) and a black jacket with camo pants on my Street Triple. I find that people tend to pull over a bit if they see me and if they don't see me they shit them selves when I pass them. I pass safely, I don't buzz them retardedly closely to scare them. I also try look like angry to increase the scare factor but still give a wave if someone gives me a bit of room.

Sure I probably can't be "seen" as much as someone in a high vis vest on a yellow bike but the truth is, people aren't going to see you anyway because they are looking for threats on the road. If you're not a truck, car or cop, then you're not a threat, unless you are an angry pissed off biker whos going to smash their mirror off for no reason.

Most of it comes down to riding defensively though, just keeping out of peoples way so they can't run you over. That way, even when they don't see you, you aren't there to be run over




One of the most interesting aspects of the report is not the type of motorcycle, or how many horses, but it's ..... the color of your bike. Yes... Black colored motorcycle have the highest accident rate, 24.8%!!!!!!!! The safest color you can get is Gold or Chrome (only 0.1%).

Isn't that mainly because the percentage of black bikes on the road is probably a lot higher than the percentage of gold/chrome bikes on the road? The gold/chrome bike guys probably only ride like once a year too incase it gets dirty where as the black bike guys got a black one because they were going to ride it every day and not baby it in the garage all year lol.

[slofox]

Isn't that mainly because the percentage of black bikes on the road is probably a lot higher than the percentage of gold/chrome bikes on the road? The gold/chrome bike guys probably only ride like once a year too incase it gets dirty where as the black bike guys got a black one because they were going to ride it every day and not baby it in the garage all year lol.

I wondered about that too....


My 2c worth: If a driver doesn't see your headlights and/or LED tail lights, he/she isn't gonna see what colour jacket you have on.

When all is said and done, you are your own best defence; by being aware, identifying potential hazards and planning what to do if they eventuate. Defensive riding FTW.

[caseye]

+1 for Slofox's thoughts/observations.

[balans]

From the: Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, Volume 1: Technical Report, Hurt, H.H., Ouellet, J.V. and Thom, D.R., Traffic Safety Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,

14. Conspicuity of the motorcycle is a critical factor in the multiple vehicle accidents, and accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (on in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets.

Link:
http://www.magpie.com/nycmoto/hurt.html

Quite alot of other interesting points in the finding so of this study too such as:

6. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents.

[Guzza]

One of the most interesting aspects of the report is not the type of motorcycle, or how many horses, but it's ..... the color of your bike. Yes... Black colored motorcycle have the highest accident rate, 24.8%!!!!!!!! The safest color you can get is Gold or Chrome (only 0.1%).


A study done here in NZ parrallels this. The study recorded the colour of vehicles involved in serious accidents over a given period of time and found
that silver cars were least likely to be involved while black cars were most likley to be involved.

I'm on the road doing metro deliveries all week and from personal observation looking from behind, the colour of the bike doesnt count for much but hi viz yellow (more than orange) jumps out from a good distance. That and a headlight on high beam.

[Vern]

Well I wear a fluro hi vis vest over my jacket and if people see me and think that I am a dork then that is there problem not mine, I have no problems with any other vehicles on the road but then I am not a fast rider. My wife is happy when I wear it so that makes for harmony at home. Vern

[balans]

My theory is that people only see 3 things: sex, threat or food. If you are neither of those, they aren't going to see you, even if you are wearing a clown suit.

It's pretty hard for me to be sex or food when riding a bike so I try go for threat.

I did a defensive driving course about a year ago. The instructor told us that the safest colours for cars were red and yellow. The reason he gave for this was that we have evolved to fear red things. For example poisonous animals and plants don't need to be camouflaged and are often red as a result. Whether this relates directly to bikes or not I don't know. But maybe looking like a scary 1%'er has the the same sort of effect?

[NighthawkNZ]

My theory is that people only see 3 things: sex, threat or food.

Black is subconsciously a threatening colour, people associate it with death... Black stands out against most colourful backgrounds... including buildings, rural settings as well. You could be butt naked or wearing Jacobs neon techno coloured jacket, but they still won't see you and you might as well wear Harry Potters Invisible cloak.

The best defense is thinking that every vehicle on the road has not seen you, including when they look you in the eye... simply back off that extra metre, and ride more safely yourself...

[GOONR]

I did a defensive driving course about a year ago. The instructor told us that the safest colours for cars were red and yellow. The reason he gave for this was that we have evolved to fear red things. For example poisonous animals and plants don't need to be camouflaged and are often red as a result. Whether this relates directly to bikes or not I don't know. But maybe looking like a scary 1%'er has the the same sort of effect?

McDonalds, red and yellow, yup I have a fear of that alright..:sick:

[TomJ]

I have similar thoughts to you regarding a brighter jacket. Moto GB Tauranga showed me the new Strada jacket with fluro stripes on the arms and across the front. The rear is mostly fluro, the rest of the jacket is black. It seems a good compromise between the 'cool' black look with some visability thrown in.

Moto GB recon jackets they sell to the typcal Kiwi are generally black.

[knottsav]

Needed new gear as the old stuff seemed to have shrunk in the wardrobe. Looked at various things, asked other bikers, took my wife to the store....was looking at a jacket with red on it, as the bike is red.....my wife said go for the black! Black it is.
Riding along a two lane road in town last friday, headlight on, red bike, red/black graphic lid (black menacing jacket)...motorist pulls across into my lane while I was at her door. Sat on the horn and she kept coming....thankfully I saw it all coming and was already heading for the median (and all the grit that the DCC seems intent on never sweeping after laying it as a road hazzard!). Seemed neither colour, lights or sound made a difference in this case.

As an aside, those with black visors....are you forever swapping them out for clear when riding home as it gets dark?

All in favor of driving defensively...I bought gear merely to protect in the event of an off, and against the elements...seems the jury is still out on the visibility issue....but its been an interesting thread (excuse the pun).

[awayatc]

re dark visors......
I got glasses now with lenses that adjust with/to the amount of light outside.......
Best thing I ever got!...clear visor/clear vision...all the time.
Dark in sun/clear in dark
Plus good to wear glasses under helmet....when you lift your visor, you still have something in front of your eyes....
I wear black and black myself.....
have 3 headlights on my Bike hardwired on....
But don't count on being seen.....
seems to work.
Maybe fluro gives you a false sense of security?
Best protection out there is "you...."

[knottsav]

By glasses, you mean prescription eyeware that have 'progressive' lenses (or however they refer to them)...or are you meaning a fancy pair of sunglasses? Thinking I'd like an extra headlight.


re dark visors......
I got glasses now with lenses that adjust with/to the amount of light outside.......
Best thing I ever got!...clear visor/clear vision...all the time.
Dark in sun/clear in dark
Plus good to wear glasses under helmet....when you lift your visor, you still have something in front of your eyes....
I wear black and black myself.....
have 3 headlights on my Bike hardwired on....
But don't count on being seen.....
seems to work.
Maybe fluro gives you a false sense of security?
Best protection out there is "you...."

[Toffee]

I'm very interested in this proof. If I could find a study suggesting this then I may consider slightly different gear. Could you post a URL to this study please.

ps. Not interested in here-say. Want an actual comprehensive report to read.

I came across this on the ACC ride forever website: http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear_up/visibility.html

"What you wear can make a difference. In one recent New Zealand study, riders wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37% lower risk than others who did not. Wearing of white helmets was also associated with a 24% lower risk than wearing black helmets. Riders with lights on during the day had a 27% lower risk."

37% is a major difference - certainly made me think - anything to help stack the odds a bit in my favour especially as an inexperienced rider? I think that the study is referenced on the page.

[twinkle]

Careful how you read that study though, all it really says is that if you see a rider with a white helmet they are (statistically at least) at 24% lower risk than a rider wearing a black helmet, that doesn't necessarily mean that it is just because they are wearing a white helmet that they are at a lower risk.

It could just mean that the group of people who wear white helmets have more experience, more skill, or maybe more likely they have a different attitude to riding and the traffic around them than the black helmet wearing group.

I doubt very much that just because you chuck a white lid on your nog that you will suddenly magically be 24% less likely to bin.




I came across this on the ACC ride forever website: http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear_up/visibility.html

"What you wear can make a difference. In one recent New Zealand study, riders wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37% lower risk than others who did not. Wearing of white helmets was also associated with a 24% lower risk than wearing black helmets. Riders with lights on during the day had a 27% lower risk."

37% is a major difference - certainly made me think - anything to help stack the odds a bit in my favour especially as an inexperienced rider? I think that the study is referenced on the page.

[p.dath]

...
As an aside, those with black visors....are you forever swapping them out for clear when riding home as it gets dark?
...

I used a Shoei half tint visor, and never swap it out. I ride regularly during the day and night.

[Toffee]

Careful how you read that study though, all it really says is that if you see a rider with a white helmet they are (statistically at least) at 24% lower risk than a rider wearing a black helmet, that doesn't necessarily mean that it is just because they are wearing a white helmet that they are at a lower risk.

It could just mean that the group of people who wear white helmets have more experience, more skill, or maybe more likely they have a different attitude to riding and the traffic around them than the black helmet wearing group.

I doubt very much that just because you chuck a white lid on your nog that you will suddenly magically be 24% less likely to bin.

Had the very same thought when I read the article BUT but I still throw on the high viz in the rain / fog / gloom.

Another tip from the site I wonder about is the suggestion to flash your headlight on and off high beam (daytime of course) as you approach a car waiting to cross your path at a high speed intersection. 95% of my riding is on the open road and although I cover my brake, ride to the right of the lane and watch drivers' eyes, steering wheel, tyres I hate that point of no return when if a car did pull out it would be very difficult to hit your escape path and / or emergency brake.

Does anyone use this strategy to warn vehicles of your approach, or would drivers just see it as a signal for "you go first" or "speed camera about?"

I like the similar strategy of tapping the brake to make your brake light flash if you have spotted an unexpected hazard ahead and think that the traffic behind you may not have.

[mowgli]

Colour won't keep you out of trouble - staying alert will. Approaching traffic and intersections I regularly remind myself "I am invisible" so it really doesn't matter what colour my gear is. I ride a black bike with dark gear and a black helmet.

If your gear makes you feel visible then watch out that it doesn't lead to a false sense of security. Practise active safety don't rely on passive measures. Only you can keep you out of trouble.

[twinkle]

Another tip from the site I wonder about is the suggestion to flash your headlight on and off high beam (daytime of course) as you approach a car waiting to cross your path at a high speed intersection.

Does anyone use this strategy to warn vehicles of your approach, or would drivers just see it as a signal for "you go first" or "speed camera about?"


It has always meant "you go first" as far as I know. I think I would end up flying over someones bonnet if I started flashing my lights at them in that situation...

[Capt M Stubbing]

i wore black everything for 20 years, no problem. last year i got a yellow lid and a fluro jacket... and some prick smashed into me. stuffed me real good.
out of hospital....got a matt black lid.
However... i see bikes around as i do lots of ks, bright lids and jackets do make a difference..if you are looking.

[Tigadae]

I have three different jackets in three different colours, on Saturday i was a pillioin and was having a red day, Sunday i was out ridding on my own and felt like a black jacket day well Monday came round and was back to the grind of work, maybe this Saturday ill pull out my colourful jacket, for me its what kind of mood im in just go with whatever feels good to you...

[vifferman]

Going to States next month and bringing back a headlight modulator. This can flash 240 times a second when I depress horn button.
Good luck with that - they're illegal here.
I nyooster have a tail-light flasher, that flashed the brake lights when I braked (fast at first, then over 8 blinks it got slower until it stayed on). It worked really well, but failed the first WOF I had after that. The reason given was that "they" (presumably LTNZ) determined they caused target fixation ("Oooohhh...... lookit the pretty blinky lights!") Strangely, I read shortly after that that LTNZ were considering making them mandatory for bikers, along with fluoro gear, in an attempt to lower the accident/injury rate.

About statistics: it's almost impossible to base something on a very simplistic "cause and effect". To say, "Bikers who wear fluoro gear are less likely to have an accident" is dumb, as it doesn't take into account other factors. F'rinstance, it may be that wearers of fluoro are more likley to be safety-conscious, and ride like noobs because they're scared of injury. It may be a novely thing, where people notice fluoro-clad bikers at first, lowering the accident rate, then with overuse they become inured to it.

[pritch]

I did a defensive driving course about a year ago. The instructor told us that the safest colours for cars were red and yellow.

I have an ACC "Safe Driving Policy" booklet here, they say red and white are safest, I'd add yellow and maybe light green to that. Another post here said silver. ACC say silver is worst, in bad weather it just blends into the background and disappears.

So, of course, most of our fleet is silver. The Fleet guys say they want a wide range of colours so as to make the cars easier to sell. What actually happens, I suspect, is that the manufacturers supply the less popular colours so that the hypothetical Jones's can select from the prettier colours.

We can all quote whatever research we like, and the one I like says that motorists respond to perceived threats. So feel free to wear your fluoro vest, just don't rely on it.

[jetboy]

How does colour on your gear affect your safety?

You will probably find it unsafe to ride wearing red through a Crips area and blue through a Bloods area of South Auckland

:dodge:

[alley cat]

I have three different jackets in three different colours, on Saturday i was a pillioin and was having a red day, Sunday i was out ridding on my own and felt like a black jacket day well Monday came round and was back to the grind of work, maybe this Saturday ill pull out my colourful jacket, for me its what kind of mood im in just go with whatever feels good to you...

yes women are from venus;)

[Highlander]

yes women are from venus;)

no, women are from VISA

[alley cat]

no, women are from VISA

guilty as charged.

[Highlander]

no, women are from VISA


guilty as charged.

:rofl: :whistle: