Increasing your visibilty

ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

Hi guys, now its getting darker I was after some advice on how I can make myself more visible to cars? My problem is that my jacket and trousers are black, as is my bike which has no transfers on it so I guess I am asking for trouble. Additionally as I commute to work my rucksack containing my work shoes obscures the reflective material on my jacket!

I am on the look out for some white Aprilia stickers which should help (I am about to google/ebay for them but if anyone feels like pointing me in the right direction...) I have got to the point where I am tempted with a hi-vis vest.

Any suggestions greatfully recieved!

TheShaggyDA · Repost Police Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Bungee the rucksack to the pillion seat, wear a reflective yelllow vest.
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ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

Thanks for the advice. I have a cargo net but have not used it yet as I am a bit concerned about things falling off. Probably due to me following a mate a few years back in my car and he fell off in front of me when his lock got caught in the rear wheel - luckily I don't tail gate. I sure you can easily secure them I am just paranoid.

I don't like the vests but I am coming round to it, reducing my visibility for vanity reasons seams a little silly.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

You can get reflective sticky bits that are black until the light hits them - good for tarts. Smile

Now it's pitch dark, I'm thinking I might get a hi-vis. The bike might be yellow but I'm all in black and that's not fantastic at night. Laughing

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

I've been wearing a hi-vis on the way to work and back and I can honestly say that not one car has pulled out on me! Thumbs Up

I know there sh1t but they work a treat. Wouldn't feel safe at night without one now Thumbs Up

I think car drivers have a better idea of your position, distance wise when you wear one.

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

Can't you purchase those schotchlite/3M reflector tape sticky thingys for your bike: Stick some to your lid, various parts of your bike and if you can manage to velcro it onto your bag - all the better. Most jackets which do have reflective piping on them are unfortunately obscured by your bag - so next best thing than to get expesnive Hi-Vis, get these tapes at stick them onto your bag and bike instead.
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ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

Fire_Eyes · Crazy Courier Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Karma :

I think you should also try to put some LED lights. I find them to stick out more in he dark. The sticky black bits that glow when light hits them is a pretty good idea too. I think a bright helmet with those Rolling Eyes

weird(I dont wanna say the word) colors Wink

i.e: yellow, baby blue, pimpish pink) is pretty important too, but buying a new helmet would cost pretty much, in my opinion its worth it.
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Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

You can also wear hi-vis jackets over you rucksack. (Trust me it works) Fasten it on the part of the bag that touches your back. Buy two. One for you and one for your bag.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProductID=5360011877 is the stuff I was on about.

Motrax are getting in on it now as well, though not as subtle - https://www.motrax.co.uk/Clothing_accessories/Bigassdickass.html

Weed · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

Hi, I just invested in an Orange hi-vis, and have lots of CAR drivers giving me thumbs up and even nodding at me *shock horror*

Had no-one pull out infront of me, and makes me feel safer too.

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THCi · Nearly there... Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

There not nodding, its the glare off your hi-vis! Wink

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Spiral · Traffic Copper Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have a big reflective coat, its plenty warm and very visible but i only word it now and again.

It kinda makes me paranoid i look like the lost tellytubby Laughing

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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

You might find one of these hi-viz tops works wonders Laughing

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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Failing geting a jacket how about changing the bike colours
Have a look at this - link here
Link says these people do kits - https://www.halobluelite.co.uk/
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MrAndyD · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Karma :

That POLITE HI VIS shirt... Where can I get one????

Please!
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Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

Hein Gericke sell rucksacks for £20 that have a built in hi-viz rain cover tucked away in the bottom. You just unfold it and pull it over. I'll be getting one at the weekend. Mr. Green

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Remembered this thread when I came across this link -
https://www.horsedata.biz/acatalog/Reflective_Letters_Numbers.html

Like it says it's reflective letters and numbers you can stick on.
May be useful for on the bike or on a rucksac.

I was thinking of something like 'POLITE' if on a hi-viz (as above pic) or maybe just 'BACK OFF'

Hope this helps Smile

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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger? Very Happy

MrAndyD · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Karma :

thanks for that map. im going to order my hi vis jacket, then will see what I think about the POLITE lettering. Could be fun Laughing

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ITS ARRIVED! New Oct 2004 - Grey Speedfight 100cc ohhh yessss. And Ive passed the A2 test 1st December 2004. Bring it on!

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Well in the dark winters I wear a Hi-vis vest with sleeves.

Basically its what the police wear over there gear, and as you can see below it really stands out when light is on it.

Also as for wearing a "POLITE" sign on the back, you could get pulled over for impersonating a police officer and get fined. I even got pulled over for wearing a reflective "OBSERVER" sign on the back of mine, and I was asked what I was observing Laughing

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map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

I may cover my lid in lighter fluid and light the f*cker. Then everyone will see me Very Happy

ts50x0 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 16 May 2004 Karma :

i just bought a bright yellow rucksack for riding in at night after some silly b***h knocked me of my bike while i was turning left. i aint been hit yet so thats a good thing. also when i ride home sometimes its late friday night and there are a lot of drunk drivers on the road so its a lot safer then too. i would like one of those POLITE jackets but i dont want to get pulled.

MrAndyD · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Karma :

yeah, they could get funny about the POLITE thing, it is a bit close to the line, and its the police's line after all so hmm... Embarassed

Hi vis is absolutely essential, i wear it all the time now, day and night, and i notice a lot of other bikers do too.
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ITS ARRIVED! New Oct 2004 - Grey Speedfight 100cc ohhh yessss. And Ive passed the A2 test 1st December 2004. Bring it on!

stryker · Brolly Dolly Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Karma :

Just pen in above polite the small word "BE".

I'm certain the cops can't do you unless your trying to impersonate being a police officer.
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