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Bikers – gear

I used to ride in all black. I used to turn my nose up at loud gear, and especially hi-vis gear. When I rode mainly in London it never seemed to matter – it’s never dark – not really dark. When I moved to Surrey and realised just how DARK it got I bought some reflective armbands. After my last accident I bought another pair which I wear just above my boots. While I was off the road and driving to and from work (hell that it was) following bikers on my usual route I saw for once just how little we do stand out.

Now I’m not telling you to run out and buy a hi-vis vest…. But I would say, think about your gear – how many reflective patches are there? Its amazing how one little stripe can reflect a LOT of light back to a driver. My current helmet has a greeney flash just above the neck – barely visible in daylight but lights up when hit by headlights. My usual winter jacket has silver shoulders and a strip about half an inch across my back and arms. Even my boots have a little reflective patch on each heel. It doesn’t sound a lot, but it makes a difference. I’ve seen guys in full wet weather gear and dark helmets with small plates (another reflective surface) simply appear before me out of the dark with frightening speed. I am not saying that they are wrong in any way at all. I’m merely saying if that were ME I’d want to be seen from a little further back…..

On the Met BikeSafe day they mentioned gear and basically say the louder the better. Not everyone likes yellow leathers. I know I don’t. I also know that when I put my wet weather gear on I cover up a lot of those reflective surfaces. The armbands then go on outside my over trousers, and over jacket. Not much I know, but I’ll take anything I can get in the wet when visibility is already reduced…

Update - I bought a red hi-viz vest with "Girlie-Biker" printed in reflective writing on the back to increase my visibility, especially in winter.

Update (2012) - I've had long winded arguments with other riders about the usefulness of hi-vis gear. Some very good points have been made for both sides. I wore my red hi-vis until it fell apart, I bought three more I think and at number 3 and 4 started putting zips into them to make them last longer. The last one fell apart about 18 months ago and I have not yet replaced it. I feel more conscious of not being as visible in wet weather, particularly when I have over-gear on covering those reflective areas I have mentioned before. I may well go back to a hi-vis (and I still don't like yellow) but I do agree there are valid arguments both for and against hi-vis, it can only ever be your own choice. For me, if I feel I have done what is reasonable and responsible to make myself 'decently' visible then I have been acting responsibly.

I still think it would be very daft to ride completely in 'stealth mode' without having at least made a conscious decision beforehand - stay safe!