Hi Viz. Do you believe It Helps?

[darrsi]

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Open road - yes. Definitely.
City riding - rarely.


And when it comes to SMIDSY, not sure it helps very much. Swerving before intersections is a lot more effective.
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I agree with you there, if I see a car poking out of a side street I'll move side to side within the lane as the human eye notices movement far more than colour.


As for wearing hi-vis, I never ride without it, for two main reasons. Firstly, the insurance issue as already stated earlier in the thread. Secondly, for my wife's peace of mind.
I personally don't give a fuck about what I look like, so don't care if I'm looked down on by other bikers for wearing it. If I have to wear a pink tutu and bunny ears to stop my wife shitting herself every time I get on the bike, that's what I'll wear.  :lol
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[size=1em]My motorcycle has some hi-vis tape put - white on the front, red on the back. I often wear hi-vis in the open road. My "winter" bicycle is taped in hi-vis tape. So nothing against hi-vis.[/size]

However, as far as effectiveness goes, out of town it's a lot more effective. In the city... it seems to help a lot less. IMO, the list is like this:

1. Lights - adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible.


2. Good lane positioning according to situation (to increase visibility) and weaving at intersections (what is a man when he stops drinking and driving?!   ).
3. Speed and braking - always assume you're still invisible. Always!
4. Hi - vis.
5. Crash pads and helmet, if all else fails.

I wrote a blog article on hi-vis decals limitations for bicycles. People often expect a bit too much of it.

[size=1em]http://www.bike.bikegremlin.com/2015/09/...le-lights/[/size]
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"...adding two fog lights at the sides, to make the front look as wide as possible..."


Just in case you stumble upon any grizzly bears whilst out riding.  :lol