High visibility quest

[Geonz]

So, I"m reading your post and thinking "well, where is she? Some big city? People usually see me around here."

Then I see that you live um, really really close to me... (I'm on Anderson.)

So I guess my first advice would be: get an Xtracycle because it's so weird people see it better .

I am not sure blinky lights will be noticeable... maybe... I have already figured out that the standard issue blinky in the back, headlight in the front - even big ones for both - just don't compare to being decorated like a Christmas tree, so I'm looking for the missing attachment parts of my hokey spokes (took 'em off for a tour and can't find everything now ) I mainly use my position for visibility in the daytime; at night, copious little lights.

Other thing is yea, unless I see somebody seeing me, I'm pretty nervous about heading out... and if you don't mind... where exactly were you? Vine's four-ways are yukky...

[jillm]

So, I"m reading your post and thinking "well, where is she? Some big city? People usually see me around here."

Then I see that you live um, really really close to me... (I'm on Anderson.)

Hey, we're NEIGHBORS! I'm at Washington and Lynn. The Incident occurred at the Washington / Philo 4 way. I ride east out of town, not every day but often. And I USUALLY am seen. I am careful, but I will be hyper-vigilant from now on.

(BTW, I think you've met Mr Jillm. Actually he would have introduced himself as Geoff. He rode with the illini4000 from Chebanse to Urbana this summer!)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've seen it offered in a couple of the local bookstores as "The Art of Cycling: Bicycling in the 21st Century." I almost bought it again, too... until I sat down and read it and figured out that it was just the original book with a new cover.

I've got a copy of Forester's Effective Cycling on order, it'll be interesting to compare and contrast the two, since Forester seems to be virulently "anti-bike path." We'll see.

Tom

It is interesting to compare. Hurst talks about the differences in the two riding approaches himself.
I used to utilize some of Forester's logical riding techniques and kept wondering why I was finding myself in dangerous and scary situations. Then I read Hurst's book and figured out why. The light bulb went on. I have stayed much safer in both in regular traffic and in all kinds of unexpected situations since then. Just my own experience....

[rij73]

Ditto on the suggestion to read the Hurst book. It's sold as either "The Art of Urban Cycling" or "The Art of Cycling".

[jillm]

I just ordered the "art of urban cycling" from Amazon. (also found yellow helmets! going to LBS for that purchase, though)

[tjf9]

Robert Hurst's The Art of Urban Cycling: Lessons From the Street is a good book that covers the essential lessons of dealing with our four-wheeled companions out on the road and on the streets around town... It's available on Amazon, and is linked from the web site noted up above.

I bought this book last week and have almost finished it. Great common sense advice on how to stay safe on the roads. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm on a high-vis quest now too - just bought a screaming yellow jacket and am going to be adding reflectors on every available surface. I am determined to have a safe winter!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm always happy when I hear of someone reading that book or buying bright biking clothes....