Day-glo vests

[stinkwheel]

I was setting off for a long run after work on Friday night. This involved about 150miles of motorway. Since the road was wet I thought (correctly) that there would be loads of spray about with a low sun so I raked out my old hi-viz vest.

Of course when I got to the spot we were camping I got the piss taken by some people in the club (as expected). We got to discussing it and I reckon that if you are wearing the thing, you are a lot less likley to be pulled over by the coppers for a 'random check', they might even turn a blind eye to the odd minor road traffic offence. Sort of a psychological "The only people on bikes who usually wear these are other police and IAM members so he must know what he is doing, not like these power rangers." thing.

Just a thought.
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[White Noise]

I think there is a lot to be said for how you appear, if you wear a high vis you are more stereotypically likely to be an old git, and as the helmet hides your face you can get away with it. also if you wear a high vis you are taking a step towards being a safer ride so any copper that sees you if probibly more likely to be a bit more leanent!
but then again it depends what you have done!
WN
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Yep, suspect you are right and Dayglo Dereks can get away with a lot more. Maybe not in London with the couriers though.

All the best

Keith
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[Vespa]

.

[G]

I've always thought along those lines. Been meaning to get one for ages, but haven't got around to it so far.
I can remember seeing Goose (I think?) on the back of Dusty's r6... both had black leathers on, but you could hardly see them, despite it being an open lit motorway.

Was tempted to just use my novice bib if I ever get a working road bike.

[mr.z]

I keep mine whenever i'm going anywhere far + for if its REALLY pishing it down... Also got reflective tape on the back of my helmet and it shows up brilliantly (sounds rediculous but it looks ok honest!) https://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~noriba74/images/bike/IM000124.jpg worth the £5 it cost.. (put it on my luggage as well)

I'm quite sure it does make them think your more likely to be a carefull rider, or at least you'd not be doing anything particuarly daft/takeing the pish with rediculously illegal exhausts e.t.c.

Fwarrr

https://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbeware/mcphotos/yellow01t.jpg

Edit: Dayglow orange looks a little less stoopid and are just as visible in the murk
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[displaced]

I hate those vests. I think they look stupid.

Good on you guys that you wear them---they're just not for me.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

A little tip for these which was given to me by my mum from her riding on her scooter. Leave your hi-viz jacket open so it flaps about. My mum noticed that she saw these ones alot quicker than ones done up. Done half-way up from the bottom seemed to be the agreed best method.
Anyway better to wear one of these jackets as the road-kill look has gone out of fashion this season.
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[WILDECELT]

I live in London and wear mine all the time i think that any peice of clothing that makes you more visible to other road users is a possertive move in my book. i'm not talking dayglo suits but recent studies have proven that wearing a hi vis vest you are least likely to be involved in a road traffic accident than those who don't.
I think we have to address certain attitudes when it comes to this subject, there is a macho element in regards to this a lot of bikers will snort in disgust at wearing hi vis but at the end of the day it's about freedom of choice i choose to wear one because i believe we are the most vunurable road users out there and anything to enhance my safety is a good move for me.

[White Noise]

I saw today a guy with a high vis belt type thing, one round the waist one over the shoulder, looked a hell of a lot better than the jacket type.
WN
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Buy my wife: 96' Yam XJ600s (Diversion)
Wing Commander White Noise - SE Clique
Riding Tip #86: See God, then back off a bit: Problem is i haven't seen god yet, just a close up of tarmac on revett straight

[Gazdaman]

People in day-glo vests don't nod...

Just an observation, but I agree, already in my mind I've got them down as safe, experienced, let's-not-nod-at-the-kid-on-the-red-bike kinda people.

Gaz

[WILDECELT]

I always nod to fellow bikers large and small maybe not peds

[tatters]

[WildGoose]

a while ago, i bought one of these sort of things, cos i was paranoid after my accident

wasnt dayglo yellow/green though, was a silver, with the same effect, and was a band that went round your waist, and then over your shoulder, just as effective as the vests for lighting up, but doesnt stand out as much for the piss taking side of things

cant say i use it much, cos 90% of the time ive got a back pack on, but good pieces of kit
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[PsychoHippy]

[instigator]

I wore a day glow over jacket thing when I started riding my er5 after passing my test. It hasn't been used since but I wouldn't be put off by other people's thoughts.

I genuinly believe it does help people's awareness (big fuck off yellow thing on the road, what the fuck is it...) and helps you get away with more too (its only logical)

[dodsi]

I carry a day glow/scotch light vest around with me under my seat, I prefer to wear one whilst I am on a motorway as you stand out a mile which is allways a good thing.

People might take the piss but at least you have more chance of making your journey.

[Ric]

[Craggles]

I wouldn't think of riding at night without my Hi-Vis.

I can hardly see some bikers coming toward me when they don't wear them!

I'll often wear it during the day too - I usually leave it on my jacket when I take it all off. Gave up leaving it flapping around though after I followed a couple of chaps on hornets and felt an increadably scruffy rider with the jacket flapping around my back!

I still nod/wave to other riders when I see them.

Craig
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[Major_Grooves]

I wear one all through the winter, and whenever it's dark or raining. I know it doesn't look cool, but I don't really care as I'm only wearing it on my commute. I don't wear it when I'm going on a ride-out for fun, but then they're usually only in good weather.
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[Robby]

I don't wear one, but I probably should. When I get a bike again.

Certainly when its dark and all you can see is a single small red light far off in the distance, the bike isn't hugely visible.
Then you realise the small red light is in fact much closer that originally suspected, because the rider has fitted small aftermarket lights.

hi-vis vest you can work out size, and perspective.

[killa]

When I see some one with a yellow vest I can’t help it I shout the words ‘Captain Safety’ in the style of Captain Caveman from the old skool cartoon.
It makes me laugh anyway.
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[iCraig]

I wear one during the winter when commuting, and when I ride at night or the evening.

I did wear one all year round for about 18 months after my accident in 2002, it kinda made me feel safer, as my accident was down to the driver not seeing me so wearing high vis made people see me.

I got my high vis jacket from Glo-Marka at the NEC in late 2002, and its still with me now, well made and it was cheap too. https://www.glo-marka.com/

[DT1974]

I wear a HiVis waistcoat. My theory being I'd rather be easier to see than not. If my leathers were the type with reflective material sewn in to it already then it might not be such a big thing, but black leathers aren't the easiest to see, especially in the dark.
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Tony
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[meyrick]

I have one permanently pulled over my riding jacket so I don't have to think about putting it on. I have all black gear and I think it makes a huge difference to my visibility at any time of the day. I took this photo recently for someone who wanted to see what my gear looks like and I was amazed by the amount of light reflected by the scotchlite material.

Got mine from www.hivis.net - very cheap and decent quality.

Oh, PS, don't give a crap what I look like