how would you react?
- Thread starter tommaguzzi
- Start date
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I always wear a high visibility jacket or t shirt, but that didn't stop an old chap walking out in front of me one day. I braked sharply stopping inches from his nose. When asked politely why he walked out without checking for traffic he replied he had, but hadn't seen me as my bike was too small.
It was the Brompton, lights flashing even though it was noon on a clear, bright, summer's day by the med, plus I was wearing the aforementioned clothing. In fact, the chap was luckier than he knew, because I had seen him, thought he was about to do something silly and was preparing to brake and swerve before he stepped out. He hadn't checked beforehand, of course.
The coast road in Cannes does get extremely busy and narrows a lot because cars park illegally on both sides of it, so he was lucky it was only me on a bike. I pointed this out, he shrugged, and we both continued our respective journeys.
Nevertheless, I think high visibility clothing is a must for cyclists, and black is not a good idea.
It was the Brompton, lights flashing even though it was noon on a clear, bright, summer's day by the med, plus I was wearing the aforementioned clothing. In fact, the chap was luckier than he knew, because I had seen him, thought he was about to do something silly and was preparing to brake and swerve before he stepped out. He hadn't checked beforehand, of course.
The coast road in Cannes does get extremely busy and narrows a lot because cars park illegally on both sides of it, so he was lucky it was only me on a bike. I pointed this out, he shrugged, and we both continued our respective journeys.
Nevertheless, I think high visibility clothing is a must for cyclists, and black is not a good idea.
D
Deleted member 26715
Guest
Everybody is entitled to their opinion, just please do not spread that one around
I have a high visibility body - if you look at it, you see it.
Randomnerd
Bimbleur
- Location
- North Yorkshire
Find out where he lives by stalking him in all black catsuit. Break into his house while he’s out sitting on walls. When he comes home and goes to hang up his donkey jacket in the cupboard under the stairs, jump out at him in an entirely reflective outfit covered in blinkies.
In my experience, these people will never bother you again.
In my experience, these people will never bother you again.
If they don't look properly then what you wear makes no difference at all. Your entire post is an example of this.
Accy cyclist
Legendary Member
- Location
- The hills of Accrington
I tend to agree with that,but i'm also now swaying towards the argument that no matter how high viz you are,if they aren't looking they won't see you. The other week i cycled into a black parked car. It was my own fault as i had my eyes on the tarmac for too long. The other year i did the same thing,but the vehicle i hit was a big VW camper van in i think either white or fluoro' green. So me not looking meant i didn't see it,even though in theory i couldn't fail to see it.
D
Deleted member 26715
Guest
Although I agree with you & in general I go out wearing bright colours, my tops are usually red or lime green, but no way do I want to be riding around in a hi-vis vest. I get the impression that everybody thinks a hi-vis vest is a placebo for everything safety, my son has just got a job at a retail store, that if there is a big customer order they are allowed to come to the back door, but before they open the door thay have to put on the hi-vis vest, they are not leaving the building, no vehicle is entering the building but the vest must be put on, sorry just crazy.
Nigel-YZ1
Guru
- Location
- Somewhere else... maybe soon.
It's an attempt to push the responsibility away from people who don't want the responsibility.
If I step away from this desk I know to look left and right for the forklift or the artics. I don't demand the artic is painted bright pink to get my attention.
If I step away from this desk I know to look left and right for the forklift or the artics. I don't demand the artic is painted bright pink to get my attention.
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Freiburg im Breisgau
One of the principles of local traffic law is that by using a bike I'm causing potential risk, so when riding I'm responsible for not hitting pedestrians. By the same token a car driver, by using a faster, heavier vehicle, is considered to cause greater potential risk, and is responsible for seeing me and not hitting me or a pedestrian.
I once heard it expressed that "If a cyclist falls out of the sky and hits your car and is injured, it's your fault unless you can prove otherwise".
"SMIDSY" would get the response from the insurance (and the police who are always called out in a road traffic accident) "Why not?". As far as I know pedestrians are not expected to have lights (although dogs are) and I simply have to be aware of them regardless of what they are wearing. In practice I have the same instincts as @avole and can predict what a pedestrian is likely to do. Most of the time.
I once heard it expressed that "If a cyclist falls out of the sky and hits your car and is injured, it's your fault unless you can prove otherwise".
"SMIDSY" would get the response from the insurance (and the police who are always called out in a road traffic accident) "Why not?". As far as I know pedestrians are not expected to have lights (although dogs are) and I simply have to be aware of them regardless of what they are wearing. In practice I have the same instincts as @avole and can predict what a pedestrian is likely to do. Most of the time.
Around here the unwritten law seems to be - "you were on a bike, therefore you were asking for it". Just last night I had the temerity to take up the right hand side of my lane whilst waiting to turn right. This incensed the driver who had to wait to continue his important journey whilst he berated me for not pulling off to the left of the road and I assume doffing my cap. I believe my last two words were "ignorant pizzle".
steveindenmark
Legendary Member
If I was not in a rush I would go and ask him what he meant. I would then explain about hi viz, helmets and road tax. I would bore him so much he would never complain again.
This ^^^ How do we get this into the British psyche / culture?!
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Freiburg im Breisgau
I'm not sure, but in the EU it is only the UK and Romania that don't have this written into law.
It helped us at least once in Germany.
