what's the point of bike reflectors?

[winjim]

You are a reflector. Not a particularly good one but one nevertheless.

Even Vantablack is a reflector. OK at 0.036% of visible light it's an even poorer one than @YukonBoy but still...

 

[Levo-Lon]

At the risk of sounding rude here, is there anyone who might help you translate this into English?

I must admit ,this post made me feel like Stephen Hawking

 

[Randombiker9]

When you shine a light on me I light up, but I am neither a reflector nor light.

yeah but most people where a hi-vis/reflective jacket when you cycle.

 

[Apollonius]

No, we do not.

 

[winjim]

Nope.

Well, maybe just a little reflective detailing...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

No they do not

 

[I like Skol]

yeah but most people where a hi-vis/reflective jacket when you cycle.

No. Mostly black clothing for me.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Even Vantablack is a reflector. OK at 0.036% of visible light it's an even poorer one than @YukonBoy but still...

View attachment 384488

Apparently the new Team Sky kit will use that black

 

[gaijintendo]

I read this thread, and last night I was reminded of it whilst driving. the only clue there was a bike out there was the pedal reflectors - so probably just as well they come with them...

 

[classic33]

I read this thread, and last night I was reminded of it whilst driving. the only clue there was a bike out there was the pedal reflectors - so probably just as well they come with them...

No rider?

 

[gaijintendo]

No rider?

Hehe. I imagine there was, the pedals were turning at the time...

Oh, and whilst I'm here and nobody asked, the Kaffenback 2 has a nice feature. There are glass bead details on the frame which really pop out in the dark. It's a completely unadvertised feature.

 

[Randombiker9]

And that is the point of bike reflectors.

I suppose I guess the best use of them are like for if your main lights fail but how come in the HC it states u must have a white front light, red rear light and a red rear reflector etc...but there’s no requirement for white reflector on the front?

 

[Tim Hall]

I suppose I guess the best use of them are like for if your main lights fail but how come in the HC it states u must have a white front light, red rear light and a red rear reflector etc...but there’s no requirement for white reflector on the front?

At a guess because cars coming towards you will hopefully be on the other side of the road.

 

[Ajax Bay]

but there’s no requirement for white reflector on the front?

Perhaps because it would, like, beg the question: "Why is there no requirement for white reflector on the front of motor vehicles?"
And also because the perception is that a cyclist needs to be seen particularly from the rear (by traffic catching them up).