[andy james]

why do the majority of road cyclists wear black or other dark-coloured clothing?

Motorists are more likely to hit them, or pedestrians step in front of them!

Topic

[Hirsute]

Most cyclists have insurance.

Most cyclists have insurance.

If you want to reduce risks to cyclists in the most practical way, then you should address the driving test and the subsequent lack of retesting in an attempt to improve the woeful driving standards and the lack of observational training.

If your misapproach to risk controls was applied to driving and vehicles, there would be no black/silver/grey cars on the roads, all occupants would wear racing helmets and flame retardant suits.

Then people would question why you are addressing the problem at the PPE level ie the last point of mitigation.

[Hirsute]

“Bike lights are normally a

“Bike lights are normally a joke compared to vehicle lights so don’t feel protected by them.”

You don’t know a lot about bike lights do you.

Are you really claiming your 2 friends would have been better off with PPE as that is really victim blaming.

 

I note you haven’t actually asked people here what type of equipment and clothing they use but are quite happy to use the terms ‘this fraternity’ and ‘macho’ apparently directed at people here.

[andy james]

sorry Hairy, but I did not

sorry Hairy, but I did not understand your last post!

Perhaps they are getting out of sync.

[andy james]

Hi Hawkinspeter,

Hi Hawkinspeter,

I have had one cyclist friend killed and another badly injured in the past 18 months, so this subject is close to me.

I am only asking cyclists (the ones saving money or doing what the govt is asking for) to try to be more visible. Bike lights are normally a joke compared to vehicle lights so don’t feel protected by them.

I am not excusing motorists, only asking cyclists to help reduce the accident statistics, whoever is at fault.

[Hirsute]

Your response to the mnay

Your response to the many points and posts was

“sanity at last – well said Shades!”

Hence I said

“Not prepared to respond to the substantive points made in a clear manner then.”

[andy james]

I just want, Hirsute, to

I just want, Hirsute, to reduce risks for cyclists in the most practical ways. Waving pontifical words at “motorists” will do nothing. We are in the majority right now!

If you want to dream, perhaps insurance for cyclists, and claim refused if you are not wearing fluorescent clothing and helmets might be a start.

[hawkinspeter]

Again, it’s not about fault

Again, it’s not about fault and blame, it’s about taking practical steps to improve road safety and ideally achieve Vision Zero (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_Zero). The thing is that focussing on what cyclists/pedestrians are wearing is not going to be an effective strategy to improve road safety and unfortunately we see a lot of misguided attempts by motorists to distract from what does actually work.

Have a look at other cities around the world and how they have successfully managed to increase modal cycling share and improve road safety at the same time – hint: it wasn’t by focussing on cyclists’ clothing but instead improving infrastructure.

I find your “sitting on a cloud…” statement to be patronising and I imagine it’d be quite offensive to anyone who has lost a family member due to a road collision.

[andy james]

Sorry Hirsute if you are

Sorry Hirsute if you are feeling neglected!

Please get from the company that sells that beautiful top just what % of the total cycling population of the UK now wears it.

I did answer earlier, before many of the responses were even made! I want to save cyclist’s lives and injuries.

[Hirsute]

Any ebike going 20+mph under

Any ebike going 20+mph under assistance is illegal. Of course a fit cyclist can go 25mph under their own steam.

If you are having near misses turning around cyclists, then you are not making proper observation around any pillars. You need to move your head and body around more. Have a read of this article too https://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/

“I have been in touch with the MOT about the rules, but their consultations have mainly attracted input from this fraternity, who put “Macho” before safety, to change the law.”

I have no idea what that means or what groups you refer to.

Can you explain why you are going for the bottom risk control of PPE rather than say getting drivers to understand the importance of observation and how to practise that?

[andy james]

Sharp but NO, Brooksby.

Sharp but NO, Brooksby.

I am a motorist who gets fed up seeing, just about, cyclists in black, and having near misses turning in front of them, especially with e-bikes doing 20+mph.

I have been in touch with the MOT about the rules, but their consultations have mainly attracted input from this fraternity, who put “Macho” before safety, to change the law.

I speak to the cycle clothing sellers when I can so as to try to get them to change the “fashion” to more couchy bright colours – the ladies do better.

Yes, I do not want to cause accidents and look out for all road users, but I want cyclists to help themselves (and not just say it is all the motorists responsibility like the law and guidance says at present).

Sitting on a cloud playing my harp saying “it was not my fault” is sad!

 

[Hirsute]

Not prepared to respond to

Not prepared to respond to the substantive points made in a clear manner then.

Why did you ask the question as you are not engaging with the posts made?

[Hirsute]

 

 

[brooksby]

I notice, andy, that you’ve

I notice, andy, that you’ve posted precisely twice, on this forum thread.

Remind me – which cycling clothing company are you doing research for? 

[andy james]

sanity at last – well said

sanity at last – well said Shades!

[hawkinspeter]

I thought that was covered by

I thought that was covered by elimination and substitution

[Author]

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