Hi-viz is an idiotic fad

**TheDemonLord** · 10th February 2014, 13:10

Originally Posted by swbarnett

Then sell the bike and buy a tank.

True - everything we do is a safety trade off, but let is for the sake of debate take the contrary view, that we disregarded all manner of safety gear because unless you are in a tank, you are inherently unsafe and there is no degrees of unsafe - would you consider this prudent?

The answer is no, of course not.

Now suppose I conceede that the difference between wearing a HiViz and not wearing a HiViz is extremely small - let us say it increases my visibility to other drivers by 1% - if that 1% (however small or statistically negligble) is the difference between me shitting my Kevlars (due to a close call) or shitting my wheel chair (because I am now a quadraplegic) then I will take it.

I ride a bike for many reasons (Fuel efficiency, not being stuck in traffic, Enjoyment, picking up the non-existant chicks) but just because I choose to do something that is 'riskier' does not mean I should throw all caution to the wind because 'its unsafe anyway'

That all said, I will be getting a HiViz, and you are all free to not get one - I might be the one that will be hit, I might not.

**The Reibz** · 10th February 2014, 13:10

The only riders that should wear highvis are the police. It makes it alot easier to spot them with where radar/laser cannons on the side of the road. If a regular rider is standing on the side of the road taking a phone call and is wearing high vis, then I might have to slow down for no reason.

Be sensible guys, leave the high vis wearing to the police and the critters from Fulton Hogan

**HenryDorsetCase** · 10th February 2014, 13:15

Originally Posted by The Reibz

The only riders that should wear highvis are the police. It makes it alot easier to spot them with where radar/laser cannons on the side of the road. If a regular rider is standing on the side of the road taking a phone call and is wearing high vis, then I might have to slow down for no reason.

Be sensible guys, leave the high vis wearing to the police and the critters from Fulton Hogan

I think its been a while since this was posted. Plus any excuse.

Some of the Hi Viz jackets I have seen advertised have been pretty trick. I personlly would not want to wear a vest over top of my existing jacket I dont think.

[youtube]h2YgZX9Thm0[/youtube]

you could get an actual Pleecemins one (minus the logos etc.)

http://www.motolegends.com/jackets/h...ycle-vest.html

**Kendoll** · 10th February 2014, 13:18

Here's another way of looking at it, I've always worn a white leather jacket and white helmet because I thought it made me more visible.
However, last year I got a new jacket that's black leather and very fitted. Since then, not only have I had less close calls, but also more attention (not really what I was looking for but hey, they're seeing me at least!)....

My conclusion from this is, if you want to be visible get the tightest gear you can!!

**Juniper** · 10th February 2014, 13:20

Just like I posted in the BACC facebook.

From experiance driving (and I am a bad female driver!!) I notice bikes splittin up behind me better when they are either wearing the hi-viz or have those bullet lights.

Though in saying that I am a massive Hypochondriac and don't really want to wear it myself. I am very aware that I wear all black and have a matt black helmet. Which makes me near invisible at night/dusk. Though you can esily hear my bike from a K away and am lit up like a fucking christmas tree!!

Riders choice I say.

**Trade_nancy** · 10th February 2014, 13:20

I don't like wearing Hi-viz and therefore don't. I can't buy into an argument that it is LESS visible than my black leather. I experimented...If I see a cyclist with hi-viz on as I pass, it is interesting to note that as you look in your rear view mirror (car or bike) - with a quick glance 20,50,100 200, 1000 metres on...- the hi-viz vest remains a point that my eye sees more easily than other objects such as the bike, road sign or whatever. I believe it to be unfashionable rather than that it doesn't work.
Take a look at your overgrown lawn and see how many long headed green/brown weeds catch your eye - compared to yellow-headed dandelions etc. Bright yellow stands out. Makes sense that a rider will also if wearing it. But please don't make me wear it!!!

**swbarnett** · 10th February 2014, 13:24

Originally Posted by TheDemonLord

True - everything we do is a safety trade off, but let is for the sake of debate take the contrary view, that we disregarded all manner of safety gear because unless you are in a tank, you are inherently unsafe and there is no degrees of unsafe - would you consider this prudent?

The answer is no, of course not.

Dead right, I wouldn't. My father, on the other hand, rode in the 1950s. The minimum level of protection worn by the average rider today is way beyond what he wore then.

Originally Posted by TheDemonLord

Now suppose I conceede that the difference between wearing a HiViz and not wearing a HiViz is extremely small - let us say it increases my visibility to other drivers by 1% - if that 1% (however small or statistically negligble) is the difference between me shitting my Kevlars (due to a close call) or shitting my wheel chair (because I am now a quadraplegic) then I will take it.

I agree with the general principle of this. However, there is great debate as to where to draw the line. Most of us in the anti hi-vis camp are just wanting to maintain the right to chose our own place to put it.

Originally Posted by TheDemonLord

I ride a bike for many reasons (Fuel efficiency, not being stuck in traffic, Enjoyment, picking up the non-existant chicks) but just because I choose to do something that is 'riskier' does not mean I should throw all caution to the wind because 'its unsafe anyway'

I agree except for the last few words. As is noted in my sig. motorcycling is not 'unsafe anyway'.

Originally Posted by TheDemonLord

That all said, I will be getting a HiViz, and you are all free to not get one

Indeed, as long as we are free to choose we'll both be happy. My fear is that this situation won't last for ever.

BTW: Do you wear a back-protector?

**bogan** · 10th February 2014, 13:28

Originally Posted by Juniper

From experiance driving (and I am a bad female driver!!) I notice bikes splittin up behind me better when they are either wearing the hi-viz or have those bullet lights.

Therin lies the rub, as they say. Noticing bikers better, is different from noticing them at all, or not. It would make sense that things you can see better, are more likely to be seen at all, but in this case there are so many other factors that is not necessarily the case.

**swbarnett** · 10th February 2014, 13:32

Originally Posted by Trade_nancy

Take a look...

This, of course, cuts to the crux of the matter. Most drivers don't.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 10th February 2014, 13:38

I have a set of googly eyes on the back of my helmet. the theory is the same as for those butterflies, turtles and other insects that have spots that look like eyes. If the predator thinks you are looking at them then they will be less likely to predate upon you.

Evolution 101, bitches.

I have a couple spare pairs of googly eyes I can send people to try. They're self adhesive. a bit bigger than an old style 20c piece, a bit smaller than an old style 50c piece.

**The Reibz** · 10th February 2014, 13:39

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

I think its been a while since this was posted.

Personally I prefer "100 miles and runnin"
Fuck NWA are probably one of the best rap acts to come along in the last 20 years.

If you are worried about not getting seen, paint your bike high vis. Hunters still manage to shoot each other even with orange camo beanies.

High vis is not the holy grail of safety

**HenryDorsetCase** · 10th February 2014, 13:39

Originally Posted by Kendoll

Here's another way of looking at it, I've always worn a white leather jacket and white helmet because I thought it made me more visible.
However, last year I got a new jacket that's black leather and very fitted. Since then, not only have I had less close calls, but also more attention (not really what I was looking for but hey, they're seeing me at least!)....

My conclusion from this is, if you want to be visible get the tightest gear you can!!

I've got a pour-on latex catsuit, would that be OK?

**HenryDorsetCase** · 10th February 2014, 13:43

Originally Posted by The Reibz

Personally I prefer "100 miles and runnin"
Fuck NWA are probably one of the best rap acts to come along in the last 20 years.

If you are worried about not getting seen, paint your bike high vis. Hunters still manage to shoot each other even with orange camo beanies.

High vis is not the holy grail of safety

agree. plus I have a case of the cbf's so its fun to take the piss on KB.

You do realise that NWA are more 30 years old than 20? They started in 1986 and Straight Outta Compton was released in 1988. I actually didn't get into them (or really any rap) till about five years ago when I realised it was the true successor to the punk rock that so gripped me in the late 70's early 80's.

also, I am now bored with hi viz. Do you want some googly eyes for your helmet though?

**Juniper** · 10th February 2014, 13:45

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

I have a set of googly eyes on the back of my helmet. the theory is the same as for those butterflies, turtles and other insects that have spots that look like eyes. If the predator thinks you are looking at them then they will be less likely to predate upon you.

Evolution 101, bitches.

I have a couple spare pairs of googly eyes I can send people to try. They're self adhesive. a bit bigger than an old style 20c piece, a bit smaller than an old style 50c piece.

Post Pic please!!