Riding Safety and Dorkdom

[Eden]

It's true that cyclists who look like TDF racers get nothing but disdain from car drivers. And cyclists who are obviously females decked out like screaming fluorescent Xmas trees do get a wider berth from drivers. I think we actually frighten them because we are obviously 'mental cases'.

Actually around here I find the complete opposite.... When I am out on my racing bike, with my team kit on drivers tend to give me much more room and more respect than if I go out on my errand bike dressed in street clothes. I don't know why and I found it to be odd and contrary, but it was definitely my observation.

Also - please, please don't assume no matter how much yellow/white/light colored clothing you wear that you are any more visible after dark.... You NEED lights and reflectors - light colored, even florescent clothing doesn't do jack after dusk... (runners around here tend to think they can be seen by just wearing light clothes without lights - nope.... you're on top of them before they become visible)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Also - please, please don't assume no matter how much yellow/white/light colored clothing you wear that you are any more visible after dark.... You NEED lights and reflectors - light colored, even florescent clothing doesn't do jack after dusk... (runners around here tend to think they can be seen by just wearing light clothes without lights - nope.... you're on top of them before they become visible)

Very true....and the OPPOSITE is true as well!- lights and reflectors don't do very much during the daytime....reflectors only work by bouncing off of headlight beams in the dark, remember. So for daylight visibility you really need the screaming yellow type clothing items rather than relying on reflectors.
DAYTIME: screaming neon apparel
NIGHTTIME: lots of lights and reflective materials

And always assume drivers don't see you no matter how 'visible' you are.

[RolliePollie]

I choose to believe that my long ponytail and/or braid makes drivers think I'm a vulnerable female. Under any other circumstance (except maybe trying to get out of a speeding ticket by crying, which I've never done, but I would do), I would not want to be seen as a vulnerable female. But in the case of drivers, it's fine with me. Anything to inspire them to be more considerate while sharing the road with me. Of course my theory on this could be all wrong, but I pretend that my ponytail is making drivers take care around me. Don't get me wrong...I don't count on drivers to be careful around me at all and I'm always as cautious as possible. But I like having the ponytail back there.

Oh, and I look like a total dork too. First of all, I'm kinda chubby, so I don't look like a racer. And my bright outfits can be pretty crazy looking. Especially when I have my bright yellow wind vest on over a hot pink jersey purposefully not matched with my orange or lime green socks. I also wrap and tape my left ankle because of an ongoing injury (also potentially making me look vulnerable) and that always shows above my sock.