Hi-viz is an idiotic fad

**Voltaire** · 10th February 2014, 13:55

Originally Posted by Mike.Gayner

You're too bloody right DemonLord, but good luck convincing this lot. KB members live in an alternate universe where they're actually convinced hi-vis works like camouflage and is indeed less visible than dressing up like the road. The cognitive dissonance is mind-blowing.

My personal feeling on it is that if people on bikes are going to complain about not being seen, the least we can do is make ourselves as visible as practical.

I went Hi Viz last year and rode to work most days. I'd say most car drivers are so insulated from whats happening outside the box that they take bugger all visual information in.....some can barely take in the orange changing to red.
Relying on a passive bit of kit to help is risky, I like to take a proactive approach and keep the bastards at a distance.
I bought a 1 Tonne jacket with Hi Viz, I've seen others with them and they catch your eye as they are not just roadworkers ones. I no longer use the old type ones.

**TheDemonLord** · 10th February 2014, 13:58

Originally Posted by swbarnett

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

I love that quote in your Signature - I didn't actually mean that I believe motorcycling is unsafe - hence why I used the quote marks (to show this can be how others percieve it)

Originally Posted by swbarnett

BTW: Do you wear a back-protector?

My Jacket has Back armour in it, but I am looking at getting a proper back Protector (possibly around the time I get a HiViz)

I see your point though - you wish to retain the right to choose.

**Scuba_Steve** · 10th February 2014, 14:10

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

So if you have "hi-vis" & on a white bike are you "impersonating a police officer"?

Biggest problem surrounding Hi-Vis is... It's not supposed to move! Hi-vis is supposed to be stationary (or close to it) for it to work as intended, it also needs to be "out of place" which is currently already a problem adding to that does not help anyone especially those who need it for their job i.e. road workers

**Kendoll** · 10th February 2014, 14:20

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

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

That's exactly what I'm talking about

Nobody will miss ya in that!

**Kendoll** · 10th February 2014, 14:21

Originally Posted by Juniper

Post Pic please!!

I second that

**Juniper** · 10th February 2014, 14:26

Originally Posted by Kendoll

I second that

Hey and if ya going to model that catsuit..............

**Kendoll** · 10th February 2014, 15:02

Originally Posted by Juniper

Hey and if ya going to model that catsuit..............

Haha! Not me dude, I just have the jacket... But ahh, HenryDorsetCase pics are most welcome

**imac** · 10th February 2014, 15:16

Maybe we should make train drivers wear high viz so that drivers at level crossings can see them and not pull onto the tracks – and then get munted by several tonnes of locomotive

**Scuba_Steve** · 10th February 2014, 15:29

Originally Posted by imac

Maybe we should make train drivers wear high viz so that drivers at level crossings can see them and not pull onto the tracks – and then get munted by several tonnes of locomotive

Well here's the funny thing, the front of the train is already painted "hi-vis"

... Trains are proof of how well "Hi-Vis" works; of-course it probably works better for them as it is attached to a massive steel structure seen & heard from km's away on a dedicated track, so the outstanding success it's had with trains might not be quite as perfect for bikers but hey "hi-vis" is bound to help out quite significantly none the less right

**Kendoll** · 10th February 2014, 15:35

Originally Posted by imac

Maybe we should make train drivers wear high viz so that drivers at level crossings can see them and not pull onto the tracks – and then get munted by several tonnes of locomotive

Originally Posted by Scuba_Steve

Well here's the funny thing, the front of the train is already painted "hi-vis"

... Trains are proof of how well "Hi-Vis" works; of-course it probably works better for them as it is attached to a massive steel structure seen & heard from km's away on a dedicated track, so the outstanding success it's had with trains might not be quite as perfect for bikers but hey "hi-vis" is bound to help out quite significantly none the less right

Still the train's fault for hitting the car though, right?

**Tazz** · 10th February 2014, 15:41

No amount of hi-viz will save you from 'stupid'.

**haydes55** · 10th February 2014, 15:45

I wore hi vis last week for the first time. I didn't notice any difference, still had the same power, the bike still turned the same.

Didn't crash, didn't get cut off. But I haven't been cut off in months anyway.

I was wearing my hi vis t shirt under my jacket. Does that matter?

**R650R** · 10th February 2014, 16:34

Originally Posted by James Deuce

My conclusion is that plain black leather is more visible than fluoro green or orange. The lack of near misses at intersections is marked when wearing black leather, because people wearing hi-viz are pussies. In the public eye of course.

Yes. My driveway is close to a busy junction and sometimes backing out is dodgy. If I have to force my way out I pick a 'pussie' type motorist to pull out in front of.
One of those people who have their car headlights on in daytime or something flash are far more likely to actually brake as opposed to a falcon with mismatch panels...
Same technique in b-train at roundabouts.
Expect car drivers would think the same re what bikers are wearing as per your post.

Even on industrial sites they are not about safety but stopping theft as a proper CCTV to moniter a dark warehouse is hideously expensive. So that's the real reason they want employees wearing hi vis. And proven more by the big places where they separate orange and yellow hi vis for workers and visitors...

What we really need for awareness is lasers pointed straight ahead from bike. Cars could be fitted with an audible laser detector alarm like what fighter jets have and then no excuse for not seeing us.
Might annoy people with radar detectors though lol...