Topic: Your thoughts on high-visibility clothing.....

[BallAquatics]

As I get older I have noticed that my riding has become more proactive in crash prevention and the use of protective gear.  I don't leave the house with fears of something happening, but I know the clock is ticking and I'd like to ride as much as possible in the time I have left.

I've never worn high-visibility clothing while riding, but I started today.  I purchased an inexpensive vest on Amazon that fits over my normal riding gear.  I was just curious about what others think and any actions being taken to be safe when riding.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D63GPD2N?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

[spotty]

my thoughts are the stuff is so prevalent nowadays that the general populace doesn't notice it anymore.

its actually compulsory for learner plate riders and the first two years of riding after you pass your probationary licence test in this part of australia. i believe there are also some euro countries where it is compulsory for all riders

what it doesn't take into account is the d1ckheads who aren't going to see you no matter what you wear, you know the ones, pull out in front of emergency services vehicles that have got full lights and sirens going

there has been talk of making it compulsory for all motorcycle riders here, should they do that i'll be using mine to clean the chain on as many bikes as i can find, there won't be any clause that says it has to be clean.....

[CycleRanger]

It's not the most fashionable apparel but anything to increase visibility is a good thing.

[HondaMan]

...should they do that i'll be using mine to clean the chain on as many bikes as i can find, there won't be any clause that says it has to be clean.....

Finally, a good use for it!

I did pick a flaming yellow DryRider rainsuit when I bought one decades ago. My wife says it's "awfully bright". I think maybe she doesn't like yellow?

[Oddjob]

Not a fan but I can see the benefits. If nothing else, in the event of an accident their claim that they didn’t see you all dressed in black leather would be harder to prove if you were wearing some reflective clothing. My jacket has small pieces of highly reflective cloth which glows when light hits it, unobtrusive in daylight but very helpful in the dark. The thing I don’t like about reflective bibs for instance over leathers etc is that they inflate like the Michelin man when riding.

[spotty]

To take it one step further I have been watching YouTube videos of spray painters who posess many skills I don't have, there have been several using glow in the dark pigments
You can mix them into metal flake, pearl, colour shift paints without affecting the finish but at night they glow in full fluorescent green, I'm nearly convinced.
I did a helmet years ago in glow in the dark and it looked magnificent but I had lots of people tell me it was distracting, so mission accomplished then.

[BallAquatics]

my thoughts are the stuff is so prevalent nowadays that the general populace doesn't notice it anymore.

That's interesting.  It's quite the opposite here in Ohio.  I can't remember the last time I noticed another rider wearing any high-visibility gear.  Hell, if you are over 18 with a year or more of experience you are not legally required to even wear a helmet here!

Thanks for your input!

Not a fan but I can see the benefits. If nothing else, in the event of an accident their claim that they didn’t see you all dressed in black leather would be harder to prove if you were wearing some reflective clothing.

I recently read an article that said some states are changing the laws to that effect.  If you happen to be wearing high-visibility gear it gives you a leg-up in any legal actions.

Thanks for your input!

[spotty]

my thoughts are the stuff is so prevalent nowadays that the general populace doesn't notice it anymore.

That's interesting.  It's quite the opposite here in Ohio.  I can't remember the last time I noticed another rider wearing any high-visibility gear.  Hell, if you are over 18 with a year or more of experience you are not legally required to even wear a helmet here!

Thanks for your input!

Not so much the bike riders but every trades worker, roadside worker, courier driver, warehouse worker, just about every manual worker, will have hi viz on, you'll see hundreds of people in the stuff everyday, even guys down the shops on a Saturday with the wife, even girls in their gym gear, all wearing the stuff. No-one notices it anymore

[PeWe]

Look like a Police biker has worked before

[Tracksnblades1]

It needs to be mandatory for bicyclists, joggers, and walkers…
Speed differential is what kills…🤔

[grcamna2]

I learned back when I got my license as a teen;they said the biggest cause of accidents is 'inattention' 
Drivers need to be aware(Pay Attention)of what's around them;that will stop many accidents.
Expect the unexpected 
I can only hope we have wise law enforcement who will pull drivers over when they see them 'driving blind'.  Make them answer some questions to help them realize how to drive with their brain turned on.

I always like using my white helmet,as it acts like a type of beacon.
The motorcycle I ride the most is black.
I run a yellow headlight and have installed dual filament rear turn signals.which give me two extra 5 watt taillights,for a total of 3 incandescent taillights(7 wt main & 2) 5wt auxiliary)bulbs.

[scottly]

Not so much the bike riders but every trades worker, roadside worker, courier driver, warehouse worker, just about every manual worker, will have hi viz on, you'll see hundreds of people in the stuff everyday, even guys down the shops on a Saturday with the wife, even girls in their gym gear, all wearing the stuff. No-one notices it anymore

But you do see it.

[Tracksnblades1]

Don’t know if they’re legal for engine driven cycles (motorcycles), but the little strobe lights bicyclists are using nowadays are real attention getters… The challenge is not to become to accustomed to all the daily flashing lights out on the road….

[BenelliSEI]

Dennis….. I feel the same (as I get older). My Honda Varadero is several shades of grey, and very quiet. Seems too much “stealth” to me. Just bought a bright yellow helmet and I have a vest to match. It can’t hurt to be visible!

[BallAquatics]

Dennis….. I feel the same (as I get older). My Honda Varadero is several shades of grey, and very quiet. Seems too much “stealth” to me. Just bought a bright yellow helmet and I have a vest to match. It can’t hurt to be visible!

Thanks for the input John.  My NC700X is exactly the same, quiet / silver & black!  I don't have much experience to go on, but the two rides I've taken with the vest shows promise.  No one pulled out in front of me, and the vehicles behind followed at a safe distance.  I'm wondering how much Per's comment comes into play?

Look like a Police biker has worked before

[denward17]

I like it, have been thinking of getting something like this myself.

A couple of weeks ago I was out on the 550 and turning in to my neighborhood, I knew a big Hummer was behind me as I always check mirrors.

I turned on my turn signal to turn in, as well as a hand signal.  As I was turning in (right turn), I heard tires scuffing on the pavement, the guy got way too close behind me and apparently didn't notice I was slowing down to take a turn.  As I was watching where I was going, I don't really know how close he came to busting my ass, but glad he hit his brakes hard so he wouldn't.

[BenelliSEI]

Dennis….. I feel the same (as I get older). My Honda Varadero is several shades of grey, and very quiet. Seems too much “stealth” to me. Just bought a bright yellow helmet and I have a vest to match. It can’t hurt to be visible!

Thanks for the input John.  My NC700X is exactly the same, quiet / silver & black!  I don't have much experience to go on, but the two rides I've taken with the vest shows promise.  No one pulled out in front of me, and the vehicles behind followed at a safe distance.  I'm wondering how much Per's comment comes into play?

Look like a Police biker has worked before

Good point. The Police here wear a bright lime green colour. I’ll look for one.

[Kelly E]

Dennis….. I feel the same (as I get older). My Honda Varadero is several shades of grey, and very quiet. Seems too much “stealth” to me. Just bought a bright yellow helmet and I have a vest to match. It can’t hurt to be visible!

Thanks for the input John.  My NC700X is exactly the same, quiet / silver & black!  I don't have much experience to go on, but the two rides I've taken with the vest shows promise.  No one pulled out in front of me, and the vehicles behind followed at a safe distance.  I'm wondering how much Per's comment comes into play?

Look like a Police biker has worked before

Good point. The Police here wear a bright lime green colour. I’ll look for one.

My buddy that I ride long distance with and I have learned that our big sport touring bikes look like police bikes sometimes. If someone is being stupid behind us we can close up a bit and ride in close staggered formation the people tend to back off a ways. 

[Don R]

  I reject the thought that nothing can help. I added front and rear custom running lights and a yellow LED in the park position of the euro headlight that comes on with the key.
  Might not help but surely won't hurt.

[Kevin D]

Being visible is certainly helpful, but it’s passive and implies that someone else is looking.
I have an orange tshirt for hot weather jacket off rides.
After my MSF class I was given a Hi Vis reflective vest….. that didn’t fit.

It doesn’t help that standard dress for motorcycling is black leather.
Even my JoeRocket jacket is black, with a bit of red trim.

My CB has a horn and lights, sometimes/often ignored by other drivers.

My newer car has audible and visual proximity warnings and a backup camera,
but no active steering or braking controls. All work well.
I have driven a Honda Pilot with active steering and braking. That also work well but the steering wheel shaker is disconcerting.

Future dreaming now: My horn button will activate your cars “motorcycle nearby” alert.

[Magpie]

I just bought a bright yellow vest as my riding buddies all have one and they really stand out. To make the bike stand out more I have added a flasher to my brake light, brighter LED bulbs in the turn signals, and brighter lights in the front running lights of my F's. Anything to be seen better. Cliff.

[Don R]

 Yesterday we pulled up behind two bikes in another lane, one guy was wearing dark blue and blended into the background of the vehicles ahead, his friend was wearing a seemingly oversized white tee shirt, and the difference was very noticeable. When the light turned green, the blue wearing guy failed to move for a bit (new rider or bike issues) and the cars behind him stacked up a little. I told my wife leaving on green and going with the flow of traffic might be as important as being seen.
 It made me think of this thread.

[HondaMan]

my thoughts are the stuff is so prevalent nowadays that the general populace doesn't notice it anymore.

That's interesting.  It's quite the opposite here in Ohio.  I can't remember the last time I noticed another rider wearing any high-visibility gear.  Hell, if you are over 18 with a year or more of experience you are not legally required to even wear a helmet here!

Thanks for your input!

Not so much the bike riders but every trades worker, roadside worker, courier driver, warehouse worker, just about every manual worker, will have hi viz on, you'll see hundreds of people in the stuff everyday, even guys down the shops on a Saturday with the wife, even girls in their gym gear, all wearing the stuff. No-one notices it anymore

Yeah, what he said ^^^ .

[Don R]

 When I was coming home from Sturgis a few years back I tucked my hi vis shirt under the straps of my luggage on back. I gave my brother my leather jacket with the American flag embroidered on it thinking it might be noticed from behind. That said, I never saw him wear it. I paid too much for it at a benefit auction but needed to donate a little.

[BenelliSEI]

I’m in……got the helmet and the matching vest. It can’t hurt.

[grcamna2]

I’m in……got the helmet and the matching vest. It can’t hurt.

John, is that a Hi Vis yellow?
I remember when Honda had a GL1500 come-out with that same color.

[BenelliSEI]

I’m in……got the helmet and the matching vest. It can’t hurt.

John, is that a Hi Vis yellow?
I remember when Honda had a GL1500 come-out with that same color.

It’s the ILM a helmet I just bought. Not sure what they call it. Made my wife happy. She’s determined we don’t wear anymore grey or black on the bikes!

[Kelly E]

Both of my armored jackets are black but have a lot of highly reflective materials built into them. They are really reflective when any lights shine on them. I have had white helmets before and my next helmet will be white, it makes people think I'm a motorcycle cop when I'm riding my Concours. When my buddy(on an FJR) and I are out on long distance rides if we get into traffic we ride in a tight staggered formation and the cars always back off not sure if we are the law or not. My buddy is a retired federal agent if someone tries to snippy.

[Don R]

 My thought is, if you blend in with your background even people that are looking might not see you. The ones not looking might still get you either way.

[Kelly E]

My thought is, if you blend in with your background even people that are looking might not see you. The ones not looking might still get you either way.

I was taught long ago to ride like I'm invisible. Assume that they don't see you otherwise they'll get you.

[grcamna2]

My thought is, if you blend in with your background even people that are looking might not see you. The ones not looking might still get you either way.

I was taught long ago to ride like I'm invisible. Assume that they don't see you otherwise they'll get you.

The way people around here drive,looks like they're blind but still trying to drive..

I've lived in a few different states before this state of CA.,but this one has the worst drivers,imo.

[Kevin D]

Think I’d like to have a vest/helmet loaded with flashing LEDs that might be activated manual/auto when things get dicey.

We’re not too far away from something like that.
Whether anyone would pay for it is another question.

[grcamna2]

Think I’d like to have a vest/helmet loaded with flashing LEDs that might be activated manual/auto when things get dicey.

We’re not too far away from something like that.
Whether anyone would pay for it is another question.

I notice the bicycle shops sell clip-on lights that are BRIGHT,much more bright than anything I've ever seen so far;plus they have a 'Blink/Flashing' mode.

[BallAquatics]

Just a quick follow up.....

After 3 months and a couple thousand miles, I'm pleased with the results with the $10 Amazon vests.  No vehicles pulling out in front of me, and most seem to stay back a bit and not follow too close.  Hoping I'm not jinxing myself with this report! Lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D63GPD2N?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1