Most visible color

[Lise]

and along these lines...can I carry cards to hand out to cyclists who ride at night, dressed in black, with no lights? On my way into a night shift Wed night, two cyclists flew past on the opposite side of the street. I was still a bit groggy from my pre-work nap, and barely registered them. Even their helmets were dark, and non-reflective. What if they'd been on my side of the street? They were virtually invisible, and it wasn't my most alert driving moment. Scary. When I bike on Chicago streets at night, I have a light on my handlebars, a light on my silver, reflective helmet, a blinking light under my seat, and reflective stripes everywhere. Be visible!

[fixedgeargirl]

I recall reading an article a couple of years ago in Adventure Cycling. The gist of the article was that while fluorescent colors are, indeed very visible from long distances, they tend to create target fixation. You know, that phenomenon wherein you look at the obstacle you want to avoid and wind up hitting it because you're looking at it, instead of the path to avoid it (not that I've ever done this ).

This very experienced rider's conclusion was that a merely bright color would be a better choice. Just enough to catch the eye and register in the driver's mind that someone is there, then their attention can then go back to their intended direction of travel.

[ladyjai]

and along these lines...can I carry cards to hand out to cyclists who ride at night, dressed in black, with no lights? On my way into a night shift Wed night, two cyclists flew past on the opposite side of the street. I was still a bit groggy from my pre-work nap, and barely registered them. Even their helmets were dark, and non-reflective. What if they'd been on my side of the street? They were virtually invisible, and it wasn't my most alert driving moment. Scary. When I bike on Chicago streets at night, I have a light on my handlebars, a light on my silver, reflective helmet, a blinking light under my seat, and reflective stripes everywhere. Be visible!

I've had it happen with bicyclists who were riding the wrong way, in the street, on an unlit street, and no lights, dark clothing, nothing. they also didn't have helmets. I don't care what culture you are coming from, that's just plain stupid. scary too.