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

**Kittyhawk** · 27th September 2012, 22:06

YES!

I worked as a motorbike courier (awesome job!) not wearing fluros, in the CBD, on average I'd have several close calls on a daily basis, this is because the gear and colour of the bike blended into the horizon when a driver pulls out from behind a building or intersection and glances in both directions, not taking the time to identify everything in that photo snap,

Invested in a fluro jacket and on average I'd only have one close scare a week (including winter weather) in poor visibility such as rain or fog etc, the fluro was the first seen then the rider.....

So in my experience working 10 hour riding days in town here yes the high vis does work.....

We are just road cones with wheels!!!

**Kittyhawk** · 27th September 2012, 22:18

After reading the previous page, the only way to gauge accurate data / statistics / conclusion findings etc is to get out there and ride every day....academics may be able to push the pens, but the only answers to questions you need are if you're alive ride with 360 degree vision because that's the only way to survive on two wheels, be prepared to stop................or kick car doors in

**FJRider** · 27th September 2012, 22:37

Originally Posted by Kittyhawk

..............or kick car doors in

So ... High vis vests ... AND .... steel toe-cap boots ...

**Kittyhawk** · 27th September 2012, 22:57

Originally Posted by FJRider

So ... High vis vests ... AND .... steel toe-cap boots ...

Im not responsible for kicking car doors in that was Auntie......

Hee told me all about his biker days...........back in the day hahahah!

**brp** · 28th September 2012, 23:30

Nah Hi Vis Vests dont do anything so all those guys on building sites and doing road works are wasting there time - not to mention target fixation - loads killed each day.

Wear black like most motorcyclist do - stands out for miles.

**Kittyhawk** · 29th September 2012, 21:01

Originally Posted by brp

Nah Hi Vis Vests dont do anything so all those guys on building sites and doing road works are wasting there time - not to mention target fixation - loads killed each day.

Wear black like most motorcyclist do - stands out for miles.

That's because buildings rush at them with extreme force........

I think it depends on the environment one is riding in....

**caspernz** · 30th September 2012, 11:19

Pointless topic really, as it has been done to death! The only opinion that counts on this is my own, and after 25 years on two wheels, I find that in my daily travels there have been fewer close calls since adopting the hiviz vest...so by that logic it works for me.

**stormerUK** · 1st October 2012, 13:56

I for one am very glad plod wear Hi vis...........end of argument......

**pritch** · 1st October 2012, 14:42

Originally Posted by Matariki

Frankly if me wearing Hi-Viz prevents at least one accident in my life time and doesn't force the rest of New Zealand's citizens to pick up the tab, then I'm fine with wearing it.

That's an intellectually threadbare argument that's trotted out in various forms, usually by someone trying to reform something that doesn't involve them personally. Which makes your use of it just slightly unusual.

In the two recent "adventures" I have had, both reported hereabout, it wouldn't have made any difference if I had flashing red and blue lights on my helmet. The drivers in question were just not looking out of the windscreen. One was looking down in her lap, the other was looking back over his shoulder.

My experience suggests that fluoro gear is best used to locate fellow bike tour members at whichever cafe they have chosen at each lunch stop.

**Maha** · 1st October 2012, 15:30

Originally Posted by Kittyhawk

That's because buildings rush at them with extreme force........

I think it depends on the environment one is riding in....

What about Hi Viz fluffy leg warmers?....now wheres that pic?....

**FJRider** · 1st October 2012, 17:12

Originally Posted by pritch

That's an intellectually threadbare argument that's trotted out in various forms, usually by someone trying to reform something that doesn't involve them personally. Which makes your use of it just slightly unusual.

Her argument is valid ... The same argument could even be used in regard to the speed limit. Think of the lives saved (if only our own) if we choose to travel at ten km's below any posted speed limit. It must be safer ... right ... ???

Originally Posted by pritch

In the two recent "adventures" I have had, both reported hereabout, it wouldn't have made any difference if I had flashing red and blue lights on my helmet. The drivers in question were just not looking out of the windscreen. One was looking down in her lap, the other was looking back over his shoulder.

Those convicted of such offences should be made to wear a high-vis vest. Easier for us to see THEM ...

Originally Posted by pritch

My experience suggests that fluoro gear is best used to locate fellow bike tour members at whichever cafe they have chosen at each lunch stop.

Doesn't work ... the bastards usually take it off so you can't find them ...