Hi-Viz options; To be or not to be a human glo-stick

[Pluot]

I am currently looking to add as much hi-viz items to my riding gear and bike as possible. Currently I have a hi-viz helmet and jacket. I am considering using some cycling and running gear. As far as riding gear selection goes, my options seem more limited being a petite woman.

Other things I am considering:

Hi-viz clip on vest (mesh, or the belt/band type meant for runners)

LED clip on lights for my backpack

Prismatic reflective tape to my bike (Is it different from retroflective tape?)

Spoke reflector clips (for bicycles)

LED light up wrist bands (for runners)

Reflective decals

Which of these would you consider to be practical? Also, are there any restrictions on using LED lights while motorcycling?

I don't mind looking like a moving light show, but I am going to avoid looking too tacky. Please give your input and feedback on what hi-viz items you use and suggestions if you have any.

 

[Smash Allen]

Honestly the helmet and jacket do the most. Anything extra is going to be diminishing returns. I'd recommend against clip on led lights especially for tire spokes, reflective rim tape would be better.

 

[flying_hun]

I put up a thread a few years ago in Leo asking about the flashing LED's and was told they're no bueno.

If you already have a hi-viz jacket, what's the point of the vest?

As someone who wears a hi-viz helmet and suit when commuting, you need to understand that while it may tilt the odds slightly in your favor, it does not guarantee:

• That a cager will see you
• That they will extend any caution our courtesy towards you if they see you

Your best line of defense is your own anticipation and observation of traffic around you, and development of the skills to avoid conflict. Hi-viz can help, but in no way obviates the need to be a smart and capable rider.

 

[TheRiddler]

I wore all black. Got cut off daily.
Switched to a hi-viz vest with a black helmet. Got cut off every few weeks.
Switched to a hi-viz jacket with an all white helmet. I get cut off maybe once a year, and less often than when I drive my car.

LED lights get into a legal grey area when equipped on the person. When equipped on the vehicle, there's lots of specific laws about lights and you'd be likely to break at least one of them.

 

[dravnx]

I put up a thread a few years ago in Leo asking about the flashing LED's and was told they're no bueno.

If you already have a hi-viz jacket, what's the point of the vest?

As someone who wears a hi-viz helmet and suit when commuting, you need to understand that while it may tilt the odds slightly in your favor, it does not guarantee:

• That a cager will see you
• That they will extend any caution our courtesy towards you if they see you

Your best line of defense is your own anticipation and observation of traffic around you, and development of the skills to avoid conflict. Hi-viz can help, but in no way obviates the need to be a smart and capable rider.

This. Observe other riders and see how they're geared up. Notice what gets your attention the most. In my experience, a white or Hi Viz helmet and aux LED driving lights are the biggies.

 

[Pluot]

Honestly the helmet and jacket do the most. Anything extra is going to be diminishing returns. I'd recommend against clip on led lights especially for tire spokes, reflective rim tape would be better.

The reflective spoke covers are reflective tubing rather than lights. Not sure how they would handle under speed though.

I put up a thread a few years ago in Leo asking about the flashing LED's and was told they're no bueno.

If you already have a hi-viz jacket, what's the point of the vest?

As someone who wears a hi-viz helmet and suit when commuting, you need to understand that while it may tilt the odds slightly in your favor, it does not guarantee:

• That a cager will see you
• That they will extend any caution our courtesy towards you if they see you

Your best line of defense is your own anticipation and observation of traffic around you, and development of the skills to avoid conflict. Hi-viz can help, but in no way obviates the need to be a smart and capable rider.

Ah I see. The vest would be for my non-hi-viz gear. I agree with you on the commuting visibility. However, the extra hi-viz other than the jacket and helmet I was considering for night riding, rather than for commuting visibility.

I wore all black. Got cut off daily.
Switched to a hi-viz vest with a black helmet. Got cut off every few weeks.
Switched to a hi-viz jacket with an all white helmet. I get cut off maybe once a year, and less often than when I drive my car.

LED lights get into a legal grey area when equipped on the person. When equipped on the vehicle, there's lots of specific laws about lights and you'd be likely to break at least one of them.

I noticed too, once I switched helmets to hi-viz I DEFINITELY get cut off less.

 

[amazighlol]

Your best line of defense is your own anticipation and observation of traffic around you, and development of the skills to avoid conflict.

This. Anticipation and observation is the key.

Yesterday on Geary (going east), a car (going west) mad a turn cutting us the way. I saw it and slowed down, the riders on my right (riding like a maniac) didn't and almost got hit. Really close call.

High viz is good, but shouldn't put the responsability of the attention on cagers.

As they say: ride as everyone is trying to kill you.

That being said, I only have reflective stripes on my helmet and some on the leather. If they don't see a blinker or a headlight or a helmet, they will not see a led/vest/pants....

 

[dravnx]

I wore all black. Got cut off daily.
Switched to a hi-viz vest with a black helmet. Got cut off every few weeks.
Switched to a hi-viz jacket with an all white helmet. I get cut off maybe once a year, and less often than when I drive my car.

LED lights get into a legal grey area when equipped on the person. When equipped on the vehicle, there's lots of specific laws about lights and you'd be likely to break at least one of them.

Nah, its pretty simple. Facing forward, white or amber. Modulated headlights only during daylight. Aux lights OK. Facing rear, amber or red. Modulated brake OK.

 

[Erbuck]

Is this strictly about apparel or is a headlight modulator an option as well?

 

[phocup]

Edit: whoops, didn't read that you already have a jacket.

I recently purchased an Icon Citadel Jacket.

Its not as high-viz and some of the other ones but enough for me. I like most that (1) it was on clearance so I was able to get mine new on eBay for $166 vs the $450 MSRP and (2) it comes with really nice elbow / back / and shoulder D30 armor.

 

[Pluot]

Is this strictly about apparel or is a headlight modulator an option as well?

I was mostly inquiring about non-mods to the bike. But I would like to know more about your headlight modulator. I have seen bikes coming on the other side of the freeway mid-day with such bright headlight modulators/aux lights? it was borderline blinding for me, coming in their direction.

 

[TheRiddler]

Nah, its pretty simple. Facing forward, white or amber. Modulated headlights only during daylight. Aux lights OK. Facing rear, amber or red. Modulated brake OK.

There's quite a bit more to it. As an example, just for one section on brake/tail lights:

25251.5. (a) Any motor vehicle may also be equipped with a system
in which an amber light is center mounted on the rear of a vehicle to
communicate a component of deceleration of the vehicle, and which
light pulses in a controlled fashion at a rate which varies
exponentially with a component of deceleration.
(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with two amber lamps on the
rear of the vehicle which operate simultaneously with not more than
four flashes within four seconds after the accelerator pedal is in
the deceleration position and which are not lighted at any other
time. The lamps shall be mounted at the same height, with one lamp
located on each side of the vertical centerline of the vehicle, not
higher than the bottom of the rear window, or if the vehicle has no
rear window, not higher than 60 inches. The light output from each of
the lamps shall not exceed 200 candlepower at any angle horizontal
or above. The amber lamps may be used either separately or in
combination with another lamp.
(c) Any stoplamp or supplemental stoplamp required or permitted by
Section 24603 may be equipped so as to flash not more than four
times within the first four seconds after actuation by application of
the brakes.

 

[amazighlol]

Those headlight modulators are annoying....

 

[dravnx]

There's quite a bit more to it. As an example, just for one section on brake/tail lights:

You're making it way too complicated. Commercially procured headlight modulators with night cut out-OK, LED aux lights OK, Commercially procured brake modulators-OK. Amber lights on all the time OK. You wanna put some deacceleration indicators on there, do the research.

 

[flying_hun]

Those headlight modulators are annoying....

And I thought I was the only one who feels that way.

 

[bcv_west]

Yellow gets seen best during the day. Don't forget about night-time visibility. One thing I notice the most following others is visibility at night from the back, can vary widely. Most jackets have just a little thin strip of reflective material. If you put a wide strip of reflective tape across your back (like the strip on aerostich suits), and maybe one on your helmet, and on the back of your top case or saddlebags, can make a huge difference in your profile.

 

[Strigoi]

The only hi-viz gear I have is a bright orange helmet.

 

[EastBayDave]

one option should have been "Leather Suit" ....?

 

[louemc]

And I thought I was the only one who feels that way.

Nope They Bug me, me also.

I voted Other hi-vis... I'm a big fan of the Kawi Green...

At a gas station a lady got out of her Plump SUV, comes over and says...
I like the color of your bike, I can see it coming.

 

[MoldTheClay]

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchlite-Reflective-Striping-50-Foot/dp/B0010ASWF4

This way you get to be ninja by day, glowstick by night!