dark cycle kit!!

[bianchi1]

What is it with the new fad for buying and riding around in black kit during the winter months? I get that it is slimming and you get to look like a ninja or such like, but a bit of common sense wouldn't go amiss.
Less vanity more visibility!

 

[mcshroom]

Perhaps cars should only be available in high viz?

 

[bianchi1]

I believe they are all equipped with these hi viz things called 'lights'

 

[StuAff]

Black cycling kit generally has reflective elements. Mine certainly does. Unlike dark coloured cars, motorcycles, pedestrians....

 

[mcshroom]

I believe they are all equipped with these hi viz things called 'lights'

So, I believe, is my bike

 

[ianrauk]

So, I believe, is my bike

Beat me to it..

 

[bianchi1]

Cars and motorbikes don't have reflective elements? Reflective strips only work when they have a light shining on them to reflect. Great at night, no use at all in the dull light of winter evenings or when cycling into a low sun. Why wear black?

 

[Hover Fly]

A while ago I had a dark blue MG, I also drove a white works van. There were noticeably more pull-out near misses with the dark car than the white van, so much so that I took to putting on my lights when approaching certain junctions in the MG and I certainly wouldn't have a dark car again, or wear dark clothing for cycling.

 

[theclaud]

Cars and motorbikes don't have reflective elements? Reflective strips only work when they have a light shining on them to reflect. Great at night, no use at all in the dull light of winter evenings or when cycling into a low sun. Why wear black?

It looks good, it goes with everything, and it doesn't show up every speck of grime. And when it comes to shorts, any other colour is a crime.

 

[bianchi1]

"It looks good, it goes with everything, and it doesn't show up every speck of grime".

So it is about vanity

 

[ianrauk]

I'm with The Claud on this. And anyway, who really want's to go cycling looking like a big bag of hi-vizzy custard?

 

[gavintc]

For the same reason that you should choose to wear a helmet and not be required to wear one. People should make their own risk assessments and decide themselves. There is only so far that 'nanny-state' should be allowed to go.

 

[Night Train]

I bought a black* waterproof coat today. I will probably be wearing it when cycling. I will also be sewing on some Scotchlite tape.
I did wear it cycling tonight but also added an extra flashing rear light to the back of my helmet in addition to the steady and flashing rear and three steady front lights.

*I wanted something brighter but there wasn't any good options other then red and that would make me look like Arch and that would be silly!

 

[theclaud]

"It looks good, it goes with everything, and it doesn't show up every speck of grime".

So it is about vanity

I cycle every day. I'm not sure that not wishing to look a complete tit all the time by getting dressed up as a space lemon™ equates to extraordinary vanity.

 

[Linford]

I cycle every day. I'm not sure that not wishing to look a complete tit all the time by getting dressed up as a space lemon™ equates to extraordinary vanity.

To be seen is to be safe.