Not just at night but generally things that will get drivers to see you in a low sun or coming down the road. Hi viz obviously, flashing lights even on a bright day? got knocked off last month at a roundabout because the driver couldn't see me in the low sun. ordered a new bike today but trying to think of ways to mitigate the risk. Going to try to get more accessories in yellow or orange and have my lights flashing day or night. Anything else without turning myself into blackpool illuminations
I think that road position is as important as lights and hi vis additions, but your incident could have occurred whilst wearing hi vis, and displaying lights, it’s not apparent what you had when you were hit from your post.
Road position will not
automatically mean you are guaranteed to be safe, it appears to make a difference when I cycle, because by taking a primary position, I aim to be visible. I use lights in the daytime, and occasionally hi vis, if I deem this necessary on my chosen route, and consider weather conditions and lighting too.
I think an increase in visible additions to be necessary at least some of the time, although in country lanes yellow can get a little lost in the view.
Multi coloured clothing can help at times too.
Having driven a variety of HGVs, as well as cars and trains, hi vis is very effective generally, but not always. A man dressed in Cat 3 hi vis, if not standing in a visible place, may as well be hidden, and he needs to consider what will be in the background of driver approaching. This consideration should be paramount for us as cyclist as we traverse through our chosen routes.
Lights will always be a good addition, but, if the scenery blends with your chosen apparel, maybe best to get off and walk in a safe place for a few yards, rather than risk a possible close pass or worse.
Drivers, as we might all agree, have minds which wander sometimes, and it’s not always the careless, drunk, distracted or limited vision ones which cause accidents.
Be safe!
