Hi-viz, does it make a difference in rider visibility?

[Maha]

When riding in a group situation, should the lead/tec be the only ones with Hi Viz vests on? it can be confusing when looking back in mirrors and seeing multiple vests and headlights, and not quite making out who the TEC is.

Case in point:
As lead rider of the learners group on the Prison trip, it was (at times) difficult to know who the TEC was (when I looked back/behind at a corner) with almost half the pack in Hi-Viz.

[Ocean1]

When riding in a group situation, should the lead/tec be the only ones with Hi Viz vests on? it can be confusing when looking back in mirrors and seeing multiple vests and headlights, and not quite making out who the TEC is.

Case in point:
As lead rider of the learners group on the Prison trip, it was (at times) difficult to know who the TEC was (when I looked back/behind at a corner) with almost half the pack in Hi-Viz.

You can extend that premise to include the landscape and it's inhabitants in general. There's now such a preponderance of dayglo spread across anything that some tosser wants to draw attention to that absolutely anything else stands out like dogs balls.

[nerrrd]

When riding in a group situation, should the lead/tec be the only ones with Hi Viz vests on? it can be confusing when looking back in mirrors and seeing multiple vests and headlights, and not quite making out who the TEC is.

Case in point:
As lead rider of the learners group on the Prison trip, it was (at times) difficult to know who the TEC was (when I looked back/behind at a corner) with almost half the pack in Hi-Viz.

Seems reasonable. With some it might be built into their gear, though, so might not be possible (if raining and your rain gear is brightly coloured for example).

[Maha]

Seems reasonable. With some it might be built into their gear, though, so might not be possible (if raining and your rain gear is brightly coloured for example).

Yip, a whole range of scenarios really, some ride with hi viz regardless, it's just what they do.

[Ender EnZed]

Yip, a whole range of scenarios really, some ride with hi viz regardless, it's just what they do.

Not many riders wear orange hi viz. That'd be a more distinctive option for the leader/TEC.

[nerrrd]

Not many riders wear orange hi viz. That'd be a more distinctive option for the leader/TEC.

Or pink, there were some rather fetching pink ones at the pink ribbon ride - maybe not.

[Gremlin]

When riding in a group situation, should the lead/tec be the only ones with Hi Viz vests on? it can be confusing when looking back in mirrors and seeing multiple vests and headlights, and not quite making out who the TEC is.

Depends on the size of the group really. Much more than 5-6 riders total and you can't really see the last riders in most situations. Smaller groups and it's easier to count. That sort of relies on TEC leaving no-one behind, and everyone marking corners etc.

Back to the main topic, a little bit of observation today. Obscured high viz vests are useless. Mate was riding my GSA, and with the vest behind the screen (which is clear) it really didn't stand out at all. Lights were much more visible when in front. On the other hand, when my mate was in front, he could clearly see the fluro yellow helmet stand out in his mirrors (Ok, perhaps partially because the colour is really super visible and borders on obnoxious ). So the simple thing is, it may help, but may also be completely useless.