do hi viz vests/jackets work ?

[Iainj837]

I wore my hi viz vest for the 1st time yesterday, on the way back from work last night I notched that cars coming towards me dipped their head light a lot earlier then if I didn't wear one anyone else noticed this

 

[marinyork]

No .

 

[dudi]

Do they work?
depends who you ask, and depends what you mean by work...

As for dipping lights, the roads I ride are quite busy, so no one has full beam on in the first place.

There's a lot of debate about the meits of hi-viz... some call it urban camoflage. I reckon it's can;t do any harm... and I certainly see a hi-iz clad cyclist a lot sooner than non hi-viz ones...

For the record I wear a hi-viz jersey, but I wear a black assos jacket over the top too!

 

[Cab]

You're more visible, and I think thats good on dark roads. On lit city streets, I don't think it helps much, and you might find that many motorists give you worse treatment.

 

[Iainj837]

The road I used last night is mainly unlit even going though the villages there is no street lights only light I see is either of the cars or ambit light

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I find as a driver I notice people with Hi Viz on, whether they're cyclists, site workers or whatever. I also notice cyclists without it (as long as they're well lit, which is more important than hi viz), but I don't believe that it makes people less visible.

 

[HJ]

It ain't no substitute for a decent set of lights, first time I used my new lights, a car coming the other way on a blind bend dipped it lights before it came round the bend and saw me. Must have seen the loom and thought it was an on coming car...

I cycled home you night without my usually yellow cycling jacket and found that the car still kept their distance. They might not see the hi viz on a quick look, but the DiNottes are to bight to miss. If you really want to be seen get a decent set of lights...

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Oh Christ not again!

 

[col]

It does help,use it as often as you can.

 

[purplepolly]

 

[thomas]

I'd buy yellow cycling gear in preference, but don't worry too much.

When I was cycling at night I would wear my yellow jacket (got a thicker yellow and thinner blue). Part of that was because it made me feel a little safer and partly because it was warmer. I still bought another set of lights so I can't of thought it made that much difference.

I wouldn't wear a hi-viz vest though -- little naff

 

[purplepolly]

You're more visible, and I think thats good on dark roads. On lit city streets, I don't think it helps much, and you might find that many motorists give you worse treatment.

My commute is all urban but most of the streets have very little lighting - barely taking the edge off the darkness, so hi-viz and reflectives do show up.

 

[hackbike 666]

No thanks I've already got a supply.

 

[HF2300]

I refer the honourable gentleman to the previous answer: http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=25662

Some say no, the research pretty convincingly says yes, provided the high vis has reflective tape (not just dayglo colours).

 

[ChrisKH]

Well I'm tempting fate; I bought a black Endura jacket yesterday.