Being Seen.... First rule of safety...

[Earthling789]

Back in the day when I started riding, leathers and a helmet were only seen as something the pro's wore on the dirt-tracks... Now, I won't consider climbing on my bike without full-face helmet, gloves, boots, leather jacket, and leather chaps.

One thing I've been thinking about is being seen better in low light... the bike is black, jacket is black, etc.... my helmet is reflective, but I've been considering something "more"...

I've seen a lot of guys wearing the day-glow, lime-green construction vests over their leathers... which does make them more visible, but from what I can tell, they flap in the wind a lot and look to me like they won't hold up very well, or for very long. I've also looked at the jogger's harness... kinda look like suspender straps with Scotch-Lite stripes, but they too look a bit "floppy" and don't offer any reflective material on the sides.

I found these Shmira Wear I Luminosity International which appear to be perfect for anyone on a bike or walking/jogging... The belt can be tightened up over a leather jacket, and the sash (shoulder strap) can be looped under my jacket's shoulder epaulet to keep it from falling over. Best of all, they seem to offer good visibility 360-degrees and light up quite well with minimal light hitting them. I ordered a twin-pack from Amazon to give them a try...

So, my question is... do any of you wear a reflective vest or add reflective items to your bike or your person to be seen better in low light situations (or anytime, for that matter)? If so, what do you wear? Construction vests? Reflective belts / sashes like the one I listed? Does anyone think there are disadvantages to either?

[TheShadowKnowz]

What the hell is the guy on the left wearing on his head?

[gmck]

nope, I think it gives you a false sense of security. like cagers wont run you down if the see you better. I always drive like I'm invisable and so far (40 years) it was worked. I've had drivers looking at me with my high beam headlight on and pull right in front of me. had one the other day decide she wanted my lane and took it while looking at me blowing my horn.

[scooterman]

I wonder if someone hit you wearing reflective materials you would have a stronger case to refute the lame I didnt see him excuse? Of course if youre dead it dont matter. Also a thought about the blacked out bike style: would support the I didnt see him excuse?

[BluesHwy66]

Personally, I'm a new rider, so I am taking nothing to chance (especially with the horrible drivers in the DC area). Because of that I am leaning more towards the LED frame lights since it's more of a custom add on than a clothing item and it's much more visible in a rearview.

But I fully agree w/ gmck, ride like you are invisible. Look at the situation with waaay more reaction time padded in and waive your "I had the right-of-way" attitude. Reflectors and LEDs can't stop a jackass texting on the freeway at night from careening into you. Only your ability to get some distance and play it safe.

Cheers,
Mark

[rmw]

Those belts will get buried in the lights of traffic. Try one of these instead. A lot of the PGR folks wear them because reflective vests are required on mil bases but they really show up in traffic, particularly the yellow ones.

Icon Military Spec 2 Mesh Vest - RidersDiscount.com

[walker311]

Bike is blue. Lights are always on. I look at every moving vehicle in my vicinity as a potential hazard. Deer don't care what you are wearing. Idiots... even ones with brains, will kill you.

Wear all that flashy stuff if it makes you feel better. Best advice is to avoid being around all those hazards in 'low light'.

[Earthling789]

Interesting takes on this subject.... keep 'em coming...

Yes, I do ride like I'm "invisible"... and never have the attitude that I have the right-of-way at any time... one thing I'm VERY aware of is the fact that everything and everyone is a hazard to a bike.

My thought on the reflective sash/belt was this... while it may not make a texting driver pay more attention... and certainly won't stop the deer or dogs, lol.... If I can grab the attention of just THAT ONE DRIVER who was not paying close attention on the dark, back-roads... that will be ONE driver that sees me hopefully before its too late... may or may not help any at all... but if it helps once, its worth it to me.

@ rmw: I like that vest, and it seems it would hold up to "stress" well. Seems like another option... even if I no longer ride on a military base. hmmmm.

[Blueribbon]

Originally Posted by rmw

Those belts will get buried in the lights of traffic. Try one of these instead. A lot of the PGR folks wear them because reflective vests are required on mil bases but they really show up in traffic, particularly the yellow ones.

Icon Military Spec 2 Mesh Vest - RidersDiscount.com

(Because of my job) I'm WALKING on the shoulder of Interstate I-395 in downtown Wash. DC almost every day, and it has been proven that hi-vis green is the most stand out color, which is NOT either color that the above vest is offered in.

For about 1 1/2 years (3000 miles) I wore a sleveless hi-vis vest over my mesh jacket, and it can still be worn. It has held up well to highway speeds. My wife, a very infrequent 2-up rider, now wears the hi-vis vest over leather.

I now have a Joe Rocket hi-vis Ballistic Jacket which is spectacular both day & night. I had someone else wear it in a new housing development on a night ride and it really stands out at night. This jacket is good down to about 37 or 38 degrees. (With thermal under garmets, I imagine another 10 or 15 degrees lower.) I have not had the opportunity to wear it in heat to see if it has a high temperature cut off might be. (It has a heavy removable liner.) It is completely waterproof. I've thried that out a couple times.

[CrazyDave]

Being seen is not the first rule of safety..not crashing is