Did I betray fellow cyclists?

[silverbow]

Okay, so I leave work last night quite late and it is dusk. I put on my Altura Night Vision Jacket, switch on my lights (2 front 2 back) and mount bike (Hi-viz tape on sides and Mountain Plus tyres – with the reflective side wall), so yes I’m prepared for the failing light and impending dark. My commute is 99% on country roads with no street lights, so you need to be careful!!!

About a mile down the road I spy 2 Mountain bikers come out of the forest and on to the road cycling towards me, they are about 300 meters away. It’s quiet and I can here them joking and laughing about my Christmas Tree look and something about aliens landing (see famous Rendlesham Forest alien sightings), they have no lights, no reflectives whatsoever.

A car approaches from behind me, and gives me a wide birth as they overtake, unfortunately they have not seen the 2 Mountain bikers and have to swerve to avoid an accident. Mountain bikes are now not have such a fun time… I cycle on with a smug grin across my face!

Should I feel guilty about my reaction? They didn’t actually get hurt and it may have been a lesson which if heeded will pay dividend latter in life.

 

[thomas]

Should I feel guilty about my reaction? They didn’t actually get hurt and it may have been a lesson which if heeded will pay dividend latter in life.

I wouldn't feel too bad. Hopefully they may have learnt a lesson.

 

[ianrauk]

Why should you feel guity? feck 'em..they should have been paying attention to the road themselves

 

[phil_hg_uk]

No you should have told them to get some lights on, it really bugs me when I come across bikes with no lights when its getting dark I also ride a xmas tree but at least I get seen

 

[akaAndrew]

Feel guilty? Hell no! It seems they were taking the p*ss out of you so I think that entitles you to a little bit of a smile under the circumstances.

Ironic isn't it though - they saw you and that's the reason for having lights isn't it?

 

[hackbike 666]

Agree with above posters.

I had a Cabbie in Londinium comment on my Christmas tree look and he was being complimentry!

 

[gavintc]

You clearly distracted the driver with your Christmas Tree look and he was unprepared for the other cyclists.

 

[jonny jeez]

Okay, so I leave work last night quite late and it is dusk. I put on my Altura Night Vision Jacket, switch on my lights (2 front 2 back) and mount bike (Hi-viz tape on sides and Mountain Plus tyres – with the reflective side wall), so yes I’m prepared for the failing light and impending dark. My commute is 99% on country roads with no street lights, so you need to be careful!!!

About a mile down the road I spy 2 Mountain bikers come out of the forest and on to the road cycling towards me, they are about 300 meters away. It’s quiet and I can here them joking and laughing about my Christmas Tree look and something about aliens landing (see famous Rendlesham Forest alien sightings), they have no lights, no reflectives whatsoever.

A car approaches from behind me, and gives me a wide birth as they overtake, unfortunately they have not seen the 2 Mountain bikers and have to swerve to avoid an accident. Mountain bikes are now not have such a fun time… I cycle on with a smug grin across my face!

Should I feel guilty about my reaction? They didn’t actually get hurt and it may have been a lesson which if heeded will pay dividend latter in life.

Nope.

when I first started riding iinto work (a little over a month ago) I spotted a chap who was top to tail in hi-vis-twinkly-flashy stuff and have to admit to dioing a little chuckle to myself.

I've seen him most days since and my opinion has now totally reversed.

There is a reason he does this...he's either seen or been involved in something that has made him think "bugger what anyone else thinks, Im going to do everything I can to be seen"..

I doubt he just has a fetish for all thing sparkly!

so, you go man!!...do what you need to do to keep safe and stuff anyone who thinks dotherwise.

Respect to my sparkly brothers!! (and sisters of course)

Reminds me, I must by something slightly brighter than a black jersey

 

[hackbike 666]

I would like to think in my little deluded world that motons actually appreciate that I have made an effort with all the hi-viz stuff and being seen.

Respect to my sparkly brothers!! (and sisters of course)

Agreed...never had a terrible scare with one at night or day come to that matter for not seeing them till late.Then again generally they haven't got lights either or are poorly lit for some reason.

 

[jonny jeez]

I would like to think in my little deluded world that motons actually appreciate that I have made an effort with all the hi-viz stuff and being seen.

Well hack, if its you I see each day they you have achieved your aim...My opinion has done a 360

 

[goo_mason]

Excellent stuff. Year after year I see riders going through the whole winter with no lights and I often wonder how they survive.

Mind you, I wish drivers would reciprocate by having their lights on now that it's still not light at 6am. I'm beginning to suspect that the use of headlights has been removed from the Highway Code along with the use of indicator lights.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

The requirement for the use of indicators has only been removed for BMW drivers

 

[hackbike 666]

Well hack, if its you I see each day they you have achieved your aim...My opinion has done a 360

Thank you.

Strange.I have been getting on well with BMW drivers recently and have almost come to the conclusion they may indeed be human.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

I too used to giggle at the high-vis yellow and lycra much loved by cyclists but I share your experience of feeling smug/giggly when someone in inappropriate gear gets a harmless shock. I'm a dedicated lycra and yellow/pink person now!

 

[BrumJim]

Well hack, if its you I see each day they you have achieved your aim...My opinion has done a 360

If your opinion has done a 360, then surely your view hasn't changed? Just tried it out on my office chair....