Riding in black togs!
Discussion
I live in the Conwy Valley which is a very popular place for road biking. I've noticed a large shift towards riding in black or dark colours recently. Why so stupid? It is hard enough in a car round the twisties with 2 abreast riding but not being visible makes matters worse. Is it the fashion at the moment?
I don’t think the OP meant “it’s the cyclists’ fault”.
I think black’s quite visible only in bright sunshine. Most of the time, I find bright colours are far more visible. Of course, this is why we all need lots of different cycling kit
Trophy Husband said:
I've noticed a large shift towards riding in black or dark colours recently ... Is it the fashion at the moment?
I’ve noticed the same thing. Although I like to cycle, I reckon it’s easier to miss seeing someone wearing dull-coloured clothing.I think black’s quite visible only in bright sunshine. Most of the time, I find bright colours are far more visible. Of course, this is why we all need lots of different cycling kit
keirik said:
Excellent. Another "It's the cyclists fault " thread.
Don't think we've had one for at least a day.
YAAPP.Don't think we've had one for at least a day.
I ride myself. Why would you want to make yourself almost invisible? Even rock climbers wear bright colours! My only thought is bloody mindedness.
Why else?
Edited by Trophy Husband on Saturday 2nd March 19:44
keirik said:
OK I'll rephrase.
Why do people buy black cars? They're impossible to see at night and people will be in danger when I cross the road, they should be banned. Don't these people think of the children
iirc, most black cars are equipped with headlights so you can see them in the dark........Why do people buy black cars? They're impossible to see at night and people will be in danger when I cross the road, they should be banned. Don't these people think of the children
Trophy Husband said:
I ride myself. Why would you want to make yourself almost invisible? Even rock climbers wear bright colours! My only thought is bloody mindedness.
Why else?
It’s already been discussed recently - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Why else?
Edited by Trophy Husband on Saturday 2nd March 19:44
In essence it’s to do with contrast. As you mentioned, rock climbers wear bright colours because the rock is grey black, the colour is more to do with being rescued.
If you wear dark colours against green grass/flowers, you tend to be more visible. Plenty of academic studies make this point.
The useful thing is lumenscient panels, and lights. Highly coloured clothing doesn’t make you anymore visible on the road.
bigdom said:
Trophy Husband said:
I ride myself. Why would you want to make yourself almost invisible? Even rock climbers wear bright colours! My only thought is bloody mindedness.
Why else?
It’s already been discussed recently - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Why else?
Edited by Trophy Husband on Saturday 2nd March 19:44
In essence it’s to do with contrast. As you mentioned, rock climbers wear bright colours because the rock is grey black, the colour is more to do with being rescued.
If you wear dark colours against green grass/flowers, you tend to be more visible. Plenty of academic studies make this point.
The useful thing is lumenscient panels, and lights. Highly coloured clothing doesn’t make you anymore visible on the road.
I work in construction and a visi-vest is compulsory. There is a reason for that. Should be mandatory for cyclists as far as I'm concerned. I wear one because it may just save my life one day.
I accept that contrast matters, but background varies and I find fluorescent colours stand out more often than black.
As a cyclist myself, I’m looking out for other cyclists when I’m driving. Nonetheless, riders in dark clothing can be tricky to spot.
Re: scientific evidence, there are ample studies with results like this: For daytime, fluorescent materials yellow, red and orange colours enhanced detection and recognition. (This particular conclusion came from a systematic review of randomised controlled trials, i.e. the highest level of evidence.)
As a cyclist myself, I’m looking out for other cyclists when I’m driving. Nonetheless, riders in dark clothing can be tricky to spot.
Re: scientific evidence, there are ample studies with results like this: For daytime, fluorescent materials yellow, red and orange colours enhanced detection and recognition. (This particular conclusion came from a systematic review of randomised controlled trials, i.e. the highest level of evidence.)
I ride with lights both day and night. The rear is always set to flash mode and the front will be too unless it’s so dark that I need the road illuminated. I generally wear blacks and dark blues because I like them and if I’m going to spend a fortune on kit, I want to feel good in it. Almost all of my stuff has reflective panels on too.
I do plenty to make myself visible and fail to see why I should have to dress like I’m on a pride march because other road users can’t be bothered to pay attention properly.
I do plenty to make myself visible and fail to see why I should have to dress like I’m on a pride march because other road users can’t be bothered to pay attention properly.
Trophy Husband said:
If the point you make regarding dark colours is true then why am I raising it as a problem for me? The roads around me are often in shadow due to the trees. Bright pink is not a colour I see when driving other than on people. Or any other vivid colour. So why not wear them?
I work in construction and a visi-vest is compulsory. There is a reason for that. Should be mandatory for cyclists as far as I'm concerned. I wear one because it may just save my life one day.
We will have to just disagree on this one. In your opening post you mentioned 2 abreast cycling be an issue, as per the highway code to heighten visibilty & safety.I work in construction and a visi-vest is compulsory. There is a reason for that. Should be mandatory for cyclists as far as I'm concerned. I wear one because it may just save my life one day.
Just because its an issue for you to see them, it doesnt apply to all road user's. Hi viz on a worksite is easier to spot, as generally the objects are static.
When subjects are moving, the brain processes information in a different way. I also ride a motorbike, always use the headlight, plenty of car drivers fail to see that as well.
Even the police don't advocate hi viz cyclists.
https://road.cc/content/news/221967-west-midlands-...
Personally I always use lights, and my clothing for any night time riding have reflective panels.
SVS said:
Re: scientific evidence, there are ample studies with results like this: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/...
The study concludes:"However, the impact of visibility aids on pedestrian and cyclist safety is unknown and needs to be determined"
I don’t think ridin in dark colours during the day is such a problem, but in the early evening dusk when it is grey these colours are impossible to see.
I always wear lighter colours, and lights as soon as the light fades.
I do seem to find drivers are more aware on the open road vs in town.
I always wear lighter colours, and lights as soon as the light fades.
I do seem to find drivers are more aware on the open road vs in town.
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