Which colour for high vis vest?

[mattian]

In an effort to prevent myself blending in to road works signs, i've changed from fluro orange to green.
I'm interested to know if any of you think there is any difference between the two? does one stand out more than the other? I will endeavour to do some of my own research into the topic but, thought I would pick your brains as well.

[blossomsowner]

i found that orange was best when working in the bush.........

but on the bike I prefer hi vis black.

[Qkchk]

Yellow/green is reserved for Police, Emergency services and STMS etc as per NZ Transit Standards. But since you're not a roadworker you should be okay to wear yellow/green.

[rustic101]

I use a yellow (True colour name is ACT Green) vest, purchased from Carters. The version I have has a duel zip which works well for riders as it can be expanded to fit over a large jacket or reduced in size. Am considering getting one of the vests that has flashing units on it...Have seen a cyclist with one and she stood out like dogs balls..

[Usarka]

One that makes you look like a cop is the best bet. Get a white bike aswell.

Or go the opposite and get a patch and some ape-hangers. Both equally effective.

[phill-k]

black.........

[Rogue Rider]

Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black

Is best

[Cloggy]

Yeah, I can't see much of a point in wearing a hi-viz vest on a motorcycle.
OK if you are a road worker or a mayby a cyclist.
But if they haven't seen my headlight shining brightly, I don't fancy the chances of them spotting a hi-viz vest I might be wearing.

[mattian]

you will all have your own reasons for choosing to wear, or not to wear high vis vests while riding. I commute in heavy motorway traffic in early morning darkness and since wearing it have noticed a marked difference in car drivers reactions to my presence.

[Ironclaw]

I chose 'other' as I wear yellow not green or orange.

I do think it makes a difference wearing hi-vis although it only works if the cagers actually bother looking before they cross right infront of you (as happened to me on sunday). You wear a bright fuck-off fluorescent in broad daylight and idiots STILL pull out infront of you...... you could be wearing bright flashing lights and they still wouldn't see you.... *sigh*

[davereid]

Didn't see the motorbike ?

I think its true.

When we do anything by habit, the intelligent concious mind wanders off, and our primitive brain takes over. This brain is very good at spotting prey, threats and danger. So we will see lunch, we will see the cliff, and we will see the sabre tooth tiger.

But, to a car driver, a motorcycle is not a threat. It doesn't cause the subconscious primitive brain to engage the concious brain.

The most visible bike I own is the K100.. Joe average sees me and thinks I'm police. If you want to be visible be a threat. Get the motorists concious brain engaged, Wear the yellow and green.

[rustic101]

From my perspective I see it as adding an additional layer of protection. Call it risk mitigation if you must the rest is in the hands of the gods

[beyond]

Doesn't matter what you wear. Motorists can't see you coming when on high beam so a bit of coloured fluff isn't going to help at all.

[Mom]

In an effort to prevent myself blending in to road works signs, i've changed from fluro orange to green.
I'm interested to know if any of you think there is any difference between the two? does one stand out more than the other? I will endeavour to do some of my own research into the topic but, thought I would pick your brains as well.

No amount of hi viz colour will make you less likely to get taken out by blind drivers. Infact too much of it is to be seen all over the place we are in danger of becoming immune to it. I HATE the stuff and have never worn it. Seemingly though it is the colour of current protest and I can lay claim to having 3 fluro vests in my gargre. That aside, the ONLY thing that is a point of difference is REFLECTIVE stripes. Now that stuff sticks out like dogs bollocks. Colour me anything but reflective is the vest of choice if I was taken with wearing it.

[Jantar]

The best Hi Vis colour is black. The human brain perceives this colour as a threat.

[beyond]

Exachary :)

[shrub]

The best Hi Vis colour is black. The human brain perceives this colour as a threat.

I have half a dozen SMIDSY events a year on my bike and I commute 200kms a week and ride my bike for 90% of my travel. I also wear a black leather jacket, have a dark helmet with a dark visor and a big, loud black bike. People see me because I'm a threat.

[robertvi]

If you want to be visible be a threat.

that's it! i should change from fluro orange to a gorilla suit. my previous idea was Ben Hur chariot wheels, but the problem is standard forks won't take 'em, plus i watched to the end of the clip and the guy using 'em against charlton comes a croppa anyway.

one harley guy around here wears a full face skull mask :gob: - but can't imagine pulling that one off on a GN with L plates

the road code says bike headlights are poorly visible from some angles (and my little headlight certainly doesn't seem very bright anyway).

what about helmet colour? it's the highest point on the bike/rider, visible from all angles

[mattian]

The best Hi Vis colour is black. The human brain perceives this colour as a threat.

yeah.... I will remember that next time I am riding in the dark

[hellokitty]

I wear a bright pink and white jacket - the pink stands out during the day as well as night, where the white is very reflective at night -has these cool white stars that reflect at night.
I also wear a white and silver helmet at night, and a black with a mirrored visor during the day.
You can't not see me, too bright, too loud, too shiny not to see.

Not a good colour for a guy though.....

I think that fluro yellow with reflective strips should be bright enough?

[robertvi]

Not a good colour for a guy though.....
*most* guys wouldn't want another guy riding *behind* them wearing this type of outfit - might stop cars fulling out in front?

[firefighter]

Either one's as good as each other. Just like red and blue flashing lights. If people do'nt look they wo'nt see it, and they do'nt. If they do look, it does stand out.

It does have it's merits, but as for colour, I think you'll get the same benefit from either colour.

[peasea]

i found that orange was best when working in the bush.........

but on the bike I prefer hi vis black.

Predator style.....

[peasea]

I wear a bright pink and white jacket - the pink stands out during the day as well as night, where the white is very reflective at night -has these cool white stars that reflect at night.
I also wear a white and silver helmet at night, and a black with a mirrored visor during the day.
You can't not see me, too bright, too loud, too shiny not to see.

Not a good colour for a guy though.....


I dunno, there's a few on here I think it would suit. (Myself excluded, naturally.)

[shrub]

that's it! i should change from fluro orange to a gorilla suit. my previous idea was Ben Hur chariot wheels, but the problem is standard forks won't take 'em, plus i watched to the end of the clip and the guy using 'em against charlton comes a croppa anyway.

one harley guy around here wears a full face skull mask :gob: - but can't imagine pulling that one off on a GN with L plates

the road code says bike headlights are poorly visible from some angles (and my little headlight certainly doesn't seem very bright anyway).

what about helmet colour? it's the highest point on the bike/rider, visible from all angles

I hate to say it, but what you wear has little impact. If you want to be seen, ride to be seen.

1. Dominate your lane - never, NEVER ride on the left hand lane unless you have to. You have the right to the whole lane, so ride in the centre and right hand side.
2. Move around a lot. A soldier will tell you that a moving target is easy to see, so be a moving target. Move around and use the whole lane and change your position relative to cars because they'll see you and your light moving from side to side and the question "WTF is he doing?" will filter past all the distractions they like to drive with.
3. Stay away from cars - cars move around in groups, so get away from them by either getting a head start at the lights or letting the group get ahead. If you're not around them they won't hit you when they lurch from lane to lane, and for the citizen at the intersection you'll stand out like dogs balls instead of blending into the background of cars.
4. Watch every prick and if they do something unexpected avoid them, if they don't look like they'll stop at an intersection; then they won't and don't expect them to indicate before they turn.
5. Always check before you take off on a green light because lots of citizens aren't paying attention enough to stop for red lights.

Better than trusting any high vis vest.

[shrub]

yeah.... I will remember that next time I am riding in the dark

try switching your light on - works wonders for visibility.

believe me mate, the citizens won't see your high vis vest at night unless they want to, so never count on them seeing you unless you can read their minds.

[robertvi]

I hate to say it, but what you wear has little impact. If you want to be seen, ride to be seen.

1. Dominate your lane
2. Move around a lot.
3. Stay away from cars
4. Watch every [driver]
5. Always check before you take off on a green light

Better than trusting any high vis vest.

I hear ya.

I'm training myself to ride like I'm more or less invisible. I just figure it can't do any harm for those marginal situations when someone is half paying attension.

[Laxi]

Yeah, I can't see much of a point in wearing a hi-viz vest on a motorcycle.
OK if you are a road worker or a mayby a cyclist.
But if they haven't seen my headlight shining brightly, I don't fancy the chances of them spotting a hi-viz vest I might be wearing.


funny you piped up, saw a hi-vis wearer on a blue 675 going down waiphetu rd last week, thought you'd joined the light side :laugh:

[shrub]

I hear ya.

I'm training myself to ride like I'm more or less invisible. I just figure it can't do any harm for those marginal situations when someone is half paying attension.

That's the ticket. The citizens can't see you without input from you, even if you have a pink high vis vest, a dayglo green lid and a yellow bike. In fact they will probably think you're a cyclist and completely ignore you.

[Laxi]

too loud

thats my preference, stuff the vest justy use all the 97 decibels your allowed :innocent:

[Ironclaw]

1. Dominate your lane - never, NEVER ride on the left hand lane unless you have to. You have the right to the whole lane, so ride in the centre and right hand side.

I'd have to disagree to some extent there. If you're riding in a clear lane with stopped traffic next to it, ride on the side the most away from the traffic as you can almost guarantee some plonker will pull out in front of you. by riding in this position, you will have more room and more time to react.

just my 2c :yes:

[Berries]

I have to wear an orange vest at work sometimes if I am on the road. I'm quite badly colour blind and they look crap to me, blending in with the trees and the background. Yellow seemed like it stuck out so much more. On a bike though I have to go with the others. Black. Keep them guessing.

[Swoop]

Hi Vis vests. Nature's way of telling you that you're in a crap job.

[hellokitty]

thats my preference, stuff the vest justy use all the 97 decibels your allowed :innocent:

I have noticed that the new louder bike makes a difference

[Berries]

Hi Vis vests. Nature's way of telling you that you're in a crap job.
You'll never know until you tried.

[Thani-B]

My bike is my hi vis. I've also got reflective tape stuck to my backpack.

[shrub]

I'd have to disagree to some extent there. If you're riding in a clear lane with stopped traffic next to it, ride on the side the most away from the traffic as you can almost guarantee some plonker will pull out in front of you. by riding in this position, you will have more room and more time to react.

just my 2c :yes:

Yeah, good point. It comes down to using the whole lane, but not to travel in the left hand lane as a matter of course

[NighthawkNZ]

black... :mellow:

[sinfull]

Black and aggressive

Works for the mob !

[davereid]

Black and aggressive

Works for the mob !

Thats 'cos they arent allowed to wear their red patches anymore... gotta wear a red beanie now-a-days

[sinfull]

Thats 'cos they arent allowed to wear their red patches anymore... gotta wear a red beanie now-a-days
Only in Fwanganui !

[sunhuntin]

i wear an orange one out of habit now. originally, i bought it to wear home when i was finishing at 7pm. now, its never off my jacket. i do find there are less cars pulling out on me, though i still get tail gated quite a bit. i also found the reflective piping on my wet weather pants made a world of difference as well when it came to vehicles in side roads. i could see them start to move and then see the piping and stop.

where do you get the reflective tape from? been thinking of getting some for the top box, even though its got built in reflectors.

[Slyer]

High Vis wearers are namby pamby little bitches who do everything in their power to make motorcyclists look as tame looking as possible.
Being a biker is about being a badass motherfucker who doesn't give a shit, the road is OUR bitch.

Some day you high vis wearing little bitches are going to get the shit kicked out of you and you're going to DESERVE it for making us look weak.

[wysper]

I wanna red one - with my blood type on the back!! - just given blood recently - saw there new poster with ppl in red vis vests. Looked cool.

[jim.cox]

Movement aside, the human eye reacts best to yellow

Additionally the orange sodium streetlights tend to make red dark

My "Aim for me, I'm a Target" Jacket is that slime yellow colour and I always wear a white helmet

[shrub]

My "Aim for me, I'm a Target" Jacket is that slime yellow colour and I always wear a white helmet

As an interesting aside, do you have many SMIDSY moments? Or do people see you and avoid you?

[jim.cox]

As an interesting aside, do you have many SMIDSY moments? Or do people see you and avoid you?

My commute is about 30 minutes each way and I'm an all weather rider

And I'm also an assertive rider

But it seems to me , I have about half a dozen "moments" a year when I have to take avoiding action

[shrub]

My commute is about 30 minutes each way and I'm an all weather rider

And I'm also an assertive rider

But it seems to me , I have about half a dozen "moments" a year when I have to take avoiding action

Interesting. You and I have very similar riding profiles and very similar experiences with avoiding people, yet I wear black and you wear hi vis. I'm curious what you ride and how loud it is, also you say you ride assertively - what do you mean by that? I know that for every study that says high vis gear works there's another that says it doesn't, but I wonder if it really makes a difference?

In fact I'd go one step further, that high vis kit could even be dangerous because it has the potential to lull the rider into a false sense of security "they can't miss me, i stand out like dogs balls", so instead of being constantly vigilent the rider is relaxed and when the inevitable happens they're not expecting it. I personally think rider attitude as demonstrated by riding assertively is quite probably the best protection because you're in control of the situation.

[jim.cox]

I, but I wonder if it really makes a difference?


Seen plenty of work examples where someone puts on a fluoro vest and imeediately thinks they're bullet proof

[slofox]

What's "high viz?"...:drool:

[Bass]

Interesting.
In fact I'd go one step further, that high vis kit could even be dangerous because it has the potential to lull the rider into a false sense of security "they can't miss me, i stand out like dogs balls", so instead of being constantly vigilent the rider is relaxed and when the inevitable happens they're not expecting it..

I admit the possibility but it's not what I observe.
Wearing high viz (and I do) is, I believe, something that those who do it, see as just one more thing they can do to keep safe. I have yet to meet anyone on a bike who relies on it in any way and I have discussed it with quite a few.
My personal experience is that the high vizzers are as a group more defensive, careful and alert, than the blacks.
I can't prove it to you however, it's just my observation.

What frequently surprises me though, is how vehement in their opposition, those who oppose it are. I could suggest many reasons why, but that's a whole new thread :innocent:

[mattian]

I know that for every study that says high vis gear works there's another that says it doesn't, but I wonder if it really makes a difference

I remember the day I decided to start wearing hi viz vest. It was the first day after daylights savings had finished this year and on my regular commute at 6.00 in the morning and it was pitch black darkness in heavy crawling traffic. I was stopped at the lights and there was another biker behind me and apart from his headlight he was absolutely invisible. When we started moving again, I was keeping a cautious eye on my mirrors and I honestly couldn't see him for shit It dawned on me, that must be exactly how I must appear to other road users as well.
I haven't suddenly decided to wear high viz after studying the subject. I started wearing it based on my own experience and I have most definately noticed a marked improvement in how people notice and behave towards me on the road. Thats my experience

[Morcs]

I wasnt aware that 'Gay' had a colour?

[Toaster]

I might consider wearing a yellow vest for winter commuting through Auckland but my rainsuit is brighter than my usual black on black with a hint of black, so might do.

It is more likely they will take a rider out no matter what. A lot of people fail to see emergency service vehicles with all their lights and sirens going, let alone a biker on a bike with a fluro vest.

Something is better than nothing but it's probably only an incremental benefit.

[mattian]

I wasnt aware that 'Gay' had a colour?

sorry, did I forget to put that option in there for you?

[shrub]

My personal experience is that the high vizzers are as a group more defensive, careful and alert, than the blacks.
I can't prove it to you however, it's just my observation.

My experience is that the high vizzers are as a group more likely to be riding tourers or commuters and are more timid and less assertive than the blacks. Again, just an observation.

I've found a high v iz vest (yellow) and I will be riding for the next 2 weeks in it and will write a diary at the end of each day, and then repeat the process wearing my normal kit.

[Bass]

My experience is that the high vizzers are as a group more likely to be riding tourers or commuters and are more timid and less assertive than the blacks. Again, just an observation.

Fair enough, you may be right and it may well be quite an astute observation.
What you see as timid, I probably read as defensive.
One other thing though - I suspect that tourer riders are the ones who really clock up the miles. I know a guy locally who put 75,000km on his last Blackbird in only 9 months. That was his 3rd Blackbird.
My wife and I put 50,000 km on the Sprint in less than 2 years without really trying.
I've done the Riderskills advanced course. The guy who runs that up here is a professional biker, rides a tourer and wears a vest.
Generalisation, I know.


I've found a high v iz vest (yellow) and I will be riding for the next 2 weeks in it and will write a diary at the end of each day, and then repeat the process wearing my normal kit.
Excellent idea - I look forward with interest to reading your impressions

I am a bit concerned however that you have "incidents" often enough that you think a fortnight is sufficient period to make a call.

Personally, my guesstimate of an event frequency requiring any degree of active evasion, harder than normal braking etc on my part would be about once every couple of months. Prior to the vest, it would have been about once a month, but I am quite unable to say whether the difference has anything to do with the vest or not. It could be just me getting a bit more skilled at reading Joe Driving Public.
It doesn't matter to me though. As I hinted at, I don't believe that wearing a vest can do me any harm and just maybe, it might do some good. I have no problem with taking every reasonable precaution.

[robertvi]

High Vis wearers are namby pamby little bitches...

Slyer: according to the local street yobs around here wearing a fluoro vest actually make you a "wanker", but I don't give a rat's ass what they shout :wari:

[98tls]

I might consider wearing a yellow vest for winter commuting through Auckland but my rainsuit is brighter than my usual black on black with a hint of black, so might do.

It is more likely they will take a rider out no matter what. A lot of people fail to see emergency service vehicles with all their lights and sirens going, let alone a biker on a bike with a fluro vest.

Something is better than nothing but it's probably only an incremental benefit.
Sadly about it mate,if they cant see something projecting light theres fuck all chance of them noticing something that merely reflects it.

[Bass]

Sadly about it mate,if they cant see something projecting light theres fuck all chance of them noticing something that merely reflects it.

I think that's a very narrow view.
Coming down the motorway at night in the rain when the tail-light bulb shit itself a couple of months back, I was quite grateful for the refectorised hi-viz vest.

[p.dath]

High Vis wearers are namby pamby little bitches who do everything in their power to make motorcyclists look as tame looking as possible.
Being a biker is about being a badass motherfucker who doesn't give a shit, the road is OUR bitch.

Some day you high vis wearing little bitches are going to get the shit kicked out of you and you're going to DESERVE it for making us look weak.

Has your period started? If it's cramping badly try some panadol and a hot water bottle. Don't worry, you'll feel less grouchy in a week.

[Footless]

Not sure if Hi Vis is the answer, but .......

DONT WEAR ORANGE - YOU LOOK LIKE A ROAD CONE - I HAVE SEEN WHAT HAPPENS TO ROAD CONES

[98tls]

I think that's a very narrow view.
Coming down the motorway at night in the rain when the tail-light bulb shit itself a couple of months back, I was quite grateful for the refectorised hi-viz vest.

Thats wonderful dear and i am sincerely happy that your happy,not to mention broadminded.

[Spearfish]

Its hard to judge when a vest its working, only when it doesn't, you never meet the ones who spot you a little better for it.
I have never had a close call being rear ended at night with a vest only without one. The only time I farked up was wearing a backpack.
To be honest I don't notice it on, I don't make decisions based on it being off or on, I can't even see it unless the mirrors have moved in to much, its just part of the kit. And they are free in some shops, or were, as part of the ride forever promo.

[pete376403]

[QUOTE=Usarka;1129747067]One that makes you look like a cop is the best bet. Get a white bike aswell. QUOTE]

Thats not as silly as it sounds - I've got the yellow green jacket, plus a plain white helmet. when I'm behind a car they can't see what sort of bike it is, they just see a fairing and a bright headlight. I've had car drivers pull over to the left to let me through (and not just a courtesy move, either, this has been a "glance in the rear view mirror - shit what have I done now" swerve to the left)

[pete376403]

Yeah, I can't see much of a point in wearing a hi-viz vest on a motorcycle.
OK if you are a road worker or a mayby a cyclist.
But if they haven't seen my headlight shining brightly, I don't fancy the chances of them spotting a hi-viz vest I might be wearing.

Does you headlight shine brightly to the side or the rear? Not everyone gets hit head on.

[pete376403]

Didn't see the motorbike ?

I think its true.

The most visible bike I own is the K100.. Joe average sees me and thinks I'm police. If you want to be visible be a threat. Get the motorists concious brain engaged, Wear the yellow and green.

It would be interesting to see the figures on how many police bikes are taken out by the SMIDSY crowd. I'd suggest the number is very low. Yet when the disco lights are off they are not that much more visible that the bike.

[Bass]

Thats wonderful dear and i am sincerely happy that your happy,not to mention broadminded.

My apologies.
Just for a moment there I thought you might be interested in meaningful debate
I stand corrected.



Actually, when I think instead of react, I refuse to be drawn into a typical KB name calling session. So, a more measured response then.

I disagreed with you and said so. I then gave you an example of why I disagreed with you.
Your response was some pretty juvenile sarcasm.
Why?
Your history on this site is better than that. You have demonstrated that you can be thoughtful and helpful, so why did you react that way?

[robertvi]

To be honest I don't notice it on

I can check if it's on and even check if it's zipped up by glacing down at the reflection in the black fuel tank, which becomes :sunny: ORANGE :sunny: from the reflected light. Yes sorry, ROAD CONE orange - but at least it's not PIMMS-AND-LEMONADE orange.

[Stickman]

Wake up all of you! Turn your lights on and free up the pipes. Noise is the only thing car drivers respond to! Your high vis coat will ragdoll you in all likely hood so you are dead either way! :P

[Ixion]

It would be interesting to see the figures on how many police bikes are taken out by the SMIDSY crowd. I'd suggest the number is very low. Yet when the disco lights are off they are not that much more visible that the bike.

They are very experienced safe riders however. I sometimes ride a big white BMW. With a green-yellow fluoro jacket. And a plain white helmet. Yes, the drivers who use their mirrors tend to move over when they see me behind. But there's still plenty that are totally oblivious , both when I'm behind and when I'm approaching. Those that see, see. Those that don't , won't no matter what you do.

However, all things said , wearing hi-viz is very unlikely to make you LESS safe. And you have to wear something.

[shrub]

but then driving a car (ideally a Volvo) is even more sensible.

I'm not very sensible.

[Bass]

but then driving a car (ideally a Volvo) is even more sensible.

I'm not very sensible.

I think that your post pretty much sums up the whole discussion - well done

Nothing more to be said.

[Old Steve]

I'm a firm believer in that anything helps.

So I bought the largest learner bike I could, Hyosung GV250. I figured that size might just make me a little safer.

I wear a white helmet, it's the highest and most visible part of a rider's anatomy.

I've taken the baffles off the back of the mufflers, my son says he hears me coming up the street over 500 metres away. If he can hear me from indoors then maybe a cager will become aware of my presence.

I wear a fluoro-yellow hi-viz vest with reflector stripes. My wife followed me home one night and pulled up so she could see just how far away I was visible, she could see me for nearly a kilometre.

Now my wife, who has a degree in phsychology and physiology, has an interesting point of view. She says it all comes down to perceived threat. To a cager, feeling secure inside their metal prison equipped with seat belts and airbags, the only things which they see as dangerous are trucks, buses and other cars - vehicles as large or larger than themselves and capable of intruding inside their cage of sheet metal in the event of a collision. Motorbikes and cycles are seen as unlikely to injure them, so while they may see the biker they don't register the biker as a threat. And pull out without indicating ....

[davereid]

Yeah, there is a thread here somewhere about "motorcycle myths". I intend to pick it to bits at some stage. Myth 2 apparently is that loud pipes save lives. This of course is complete crap. My BMW is a silent ghost. My 650 has a race pipe. I have NEVER had a pedestrian step in front of the 650, it happens regularly on the BMW. As for the threat thing, I agree, I posted some stuff on that idea earlier. That is Myth 1 appaently, that car drivers dont care about us. Thats no myth, its absolutely how it is. Ride the BM with a green flouro jacket... suddenly car drivers see a cop, think "threat" and DO give way. When I konow they would have chanced it were I in black on the 650..

[rustic101]

Now my wife, who has a degree in phsychology and physiology, has an interesting point of view. She says it all comes down to perceived threat. To a cager, feeling secure inside their metal prison equipped with seat belts and airbags, the only things which they see as dangerous are trucks, buses and other cars - vehicles as large or larger than themselves and capable of intruding inside their cage of sheet metal in the event of a collision. Motorbikes and cycles are seen as unlikely to injure them, so while they may see the biker they don't register the biker as a threat. And pull out without indicating ....

Unlike your wife I do not have a degree -

I have taken on a rather large purple bus in Wellington and lost but there is no way in hell I was letting her bully me into giving up my legal and rightful position in my lane. She was prosecuted and the company paid for the full repairs to my ute (complete left side).

While I am a little more cautious on the bike I take the (cuse the pun) same line. I have numerous people in cars every morning try and squeeze me in when splitting. I hold my line and they tend to pull away... One day I'll end up on my arse but until that day I love the challenge. From my perspective its about me keeping cool clam and collective.

I do take your point about being seen and have as much Hi Viz as I can.

[rustic101]

Now my wife, who has a degree in phsychology and physiology, has an interesting point of view. She says it all comes down to perceived threat. To a cager, feeling secure inside their metal prison equipped with seat belts and airbags, the only things which they see as dangerous are trucks, buses and other cars - vehicles as large or larger than themselves and capable of intruding inside their cage of sheet metal in the event of a collision. Motorbikes and cycles are seen as unlikely to injure them, so while they may see the biker they don't register the biker as a threat. And pull out without indicating ....

Unlike your wife I do not have a degree -

I have taken on a rather large purple bus in Wellington and lost but there is no way in hell I was letting her bully me into giving up my legal and rightful position in my lane. She was prosecuted and the company paid for the full repairs to my ute (complete left side).

While I am a little more cautious on the bike I take the (cuse the pun) same line. I have numerous people in cars every morning try and squeeze me in when splitting. I hold my line and they tend to pull away... One day I'll end up on my arse but until that day I love the challenge. From my perspective its about me keeping cool clam and collective.

I do take your point about being seen and have as much Hi Viz as I can.

[Footless]

Now my wife, who has a degree in phsychology and physiology, has an interesting point of view. She says it all comes down to perceived threat. To a cager, feeling secure inside their metal prison equipped with seat belts and airbags, the only things which they see as dangerous are trucks, buses and other cars - vehicles as large or larger than themselves and capable of intruding inside their cage of sheet metal in the event of a collision. Motorbikes and cycles are seen as unlikely to injure them, so while they may see the biker they don't register the biker as a threat. And pull out without indicating ....

Sorry but your wifes theory doesnt play out in reality, I drive a truck (yes a big one) and every day, yes every day, I see cagers trying to commit suicide in front of me. Just watch anywhere that two lanes merge into one, you will see the "have to beat the truck" cage drivers pushing past. They also will pull out in front of trucks from side streets.
One day I guess if I am not quick enough I will get one.
I hope they dont have kids with them!