This weeks WTF?

[SteveH80]

Driving up Folly Bank, a fairly steep bugger on a major B road near Eggleston up in the Pennines.
I spot a cyclist ahead going up the bank, as there is no traffic coming the other way I pull across for a safe, wide pass and at last second spot his mate riding parallel to him, on the other side of the road against the traffic. Both dressed in nice safe black and not wasting electricity on lights.
Sometimes we don't help ourselves do we.

 

[Drago]

And yet you saw them!

Was it daylight at the time?

 

[Mike Ayling]

Driving up Folly Bank, a fairly steep bugger on a major B road near Eggleston up in the Pennines.
I spot a cyclist ahead going up the bank, as there is no traffic coming the other way I pull across for a safe, wide pass and at last second spot his mate riding parallel to him, on the other side of the road against the traffic. Both dressed in nice safe black and not wasting electricity on lights.
Sometimes we don't help ourselves do we.

Did you get him with the door?

 

[steveindenmark]

It makes you wonder why cycling clothes manufacturers make so much dark clothing.

 

[Mike Ayling]

It makes you wonder why cycling clothes manufacturers make so much dark clothing.

Because some riders like it and buy it!

 

[Andy in Germany]

Driving up Folly Bank, a fairly steep bugger on a major B road near Eggleston up in the Pennines.
I spot a cyclist ahead going up the bank, as there is no traffic coming the other way I pull across for a safe, wide pass and at last second spot his mate riding parallel to him, on the other side of the road against the traffic. Both dressed in nice safe black and not wasting electricity on lights.
Sometimes we don't help ourselves do we.

Yes, but you missed the important detail: were they wearing helmets?

 

[esoxlucius]

It makes you wonder why cycling clothes manufacturers make so much dark clothing.

My bike is all black. I dress in all black. It is a preference by some, albeit a slightly flawed one maybe. In the manufacturers defence though they do put reflective strips on the gear.

And yes, I always carry a box of milk tray chocolates with me on every journey just incase I come across a damsel in distress!!

 

[Drago]

I can't wait until Saturday night. The OP will be on here demanding young ladies don't wear short skirts for their own safety!

It's the job of all of us as road users to be diligent for others whether they be wearing a gimp suit, sequined ball gown, or a 1.5 ton steel exoskeleton.

 

[SteveH80]

It's the job of all of us as road users to be diligent for others whether they be wearing a gimp suit, sequined ball gown, or a 1.5 ton steel exoskeleton.

And isn't part of that diligence is riding on the correct side of the road? Or do cyclists have some kind of special entitlement?

 

[Drago]

What the zarking fardwark does that have to do with cyclist conspicuity?

I expect some cyclists are also cruel to puppies and dont wash their hands after a forest gump, but that has zip to do with cyclists apparel.

 

[SteveH80]

What the zarking fardwark does that have to do with cyclist conspicuity?

Err, that's what my whole post is about, the conspicuous thing is just an aside.

 

[esoxlucius]

whether they be wearing a gimp suit, sequined ball gown

That's wayyyy too random for my liking, have you anything you want to share with the group!

 

[Andy in Germany]

It's the job of all of us as road users to be diligent for others whether they be wearing a gimp suit, sequined ball gown, or a 1.5 ton steel exoskeleton.

I don't know where you live, @Drago, but it must be an interesting neighbourhood.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Both dressed in nice safe black

I commute in my work clothes, which are handily comfortable for cycling; they are also black. I do have a light front and rear.

I'm sceptical of the "need" for Hi-viz: I know it makes you more visible, I'm just not convinced drivers are looking. Also, if I need it, then surely we should stop painting most cars black or grey and mandate that they have reflective bands all around, yet somehow that doesn't seem to be discussed.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I'm not convinced the colour of cyclists' clothing really makes any difference to how motorists notice us. What I am very certain of is that anyone using a 1 tonne vehicle with high potential to maim or kill has a responsibility to drive carefully. This thread just sounds a bit like it's a by-product of out-group homogeneity. As someone else already mentioned: the OP saw the cyclists, so what's the problem here?