Hi-viz jackets

[mickworrad]

just intrested in opionions, i went to matlock today and the local bike saftey team were giving away free hi-viz jackets, what i wanted to know am i the only person who wears one, must say from looking around i dont see many riders wearing them.

[K12Rider]

Usually not, except for club rides sometimes for identification.

[mickworrad]

Maybe i need updating, is it not cool to be seen in one, i had a close shave with a range rover pulling out on me, kinda made my backside twich. thought they were a good idea but i do seem to be in the minority.

[K12Rider]

As I recall the BMF says that the situation is more complex than the usual Smidsy's from car drivers...usually lack of attention rather than not actually being able to see bikes / riders...rather it is a convenient excuse when they've been busy fiddling with their radios / phone / drink / etc.

[milleplod]

I used to get vehicles pulling out on me all the time when riding the work bike, sporting hi-vis everything, including the bike itself....and it sometimes happened when I'd got blues, sirens and flashing headlights going too! Don't kid yourself that you'll suddenly become more obvious by wearing hi-vis......if they haven't seen the headlight (assuming its on, of course), they're not looking, so they won't see you anyway! Riding defensively, being ultra-aware and being ready to react are far more useful tools than a yellow vest ever will be....and practicing those skills will improve your riding, whereas sticking a vest on might make you think you don't need to bother!

All in my opinion of course.....some people like dressing up and pretending to be bobbies....!!

Pete

[mutz_nutz]

I tend to only wear one when its poor visibility or dark...cant say that in daylight it would make much difference to a SMIDSY if they cant see a large headlight coming their way!
As stated by other members, riding to the conditions and being alert is as effective.
I think over the years a motorcyclist develops a kind of 6th sense about what the guy at the junction might or might not do.
Slightly OT, one of the things I was taught was making eye contact...how do you do that with tinted windows?

[Drewdog]

I used to drive traffic police cars for a living and regularly got other road users pulling out in front of me when I had all emergency equipment activated. It is safe to say therefore when some people are on the road it doesnt matter if you wear hi - vis or not, they will not see you.

[milleplod]

Were you Derbyshire?

Pete

[MikeyMing]

This summer is the first really that I havent been wearing anything like that, but as the weather turns, Ill wear something over the top, so it might as well be hi-vis.

Not too sure, but I don't actually think they make alot of difference, what I might have noticed though, is high beam, I think that makes people aware of you more effectively.

It's better to assume that they haven't seen you anyway.

[maz12]

He's not answering you Pete... youve give away too much speed camera info ; )