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Why do commuters insist on wearing all black?

kerwink040

kerwink040

New member
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Location
Alameda, CA.
Moto(s)
2009 Honda DN-01
Name
Kerwin
BARF perks
AMA #: 2831251
I drive my pickup truck into SF m-f between 5:30 and 6:00am. I see a half dozen or more commuters on motorcycles wearing all black. Do they realize they can hardly be seen? All you see of them is a small red light on the back of their bikes (if that). I saw one or two, maybe the same rider that had no light on the back of his/her motorcycle add the fact that they lane split as well.

HOW CRAZY IS THAT? DO THESE RIDERS HAVE A DEATH WISH? DO THEY REALISE THAT IF THEY HAVE A WRECK IT NOT ONLY AFFECTS THEM BUT ALL THOSE BEHIND THEM?
I'm a motorcyclist and I look for bikes before I change lanes, etc. but DAM I can barely see these riders. The same for the evenings, especially now that it gets darker earlier.
This pisses me off that they can be so STUPID/ CARELESS.
 
I agree, actually. Black is a bad choice of color for commuter gear. Hotter during the summer, less visible during the winter months. A lot of the black leathers lack reflective panels, making the rider almost invisible when not on the bike. In the event of an accident, this would dramatically increase the difficulty of locating a rider thrown off the side of the road, and dramatically increase the likelihood of being run over.
 
Ya, they're more about style than safety.
 
Perhaps if the gear manufacturers would move away from making the only options for gear in black? :teeth


My winter gear is all black, with a faint attempt at reflective piping. I wanted the jacket and pants in black with red panels, but for some reason those models were so tight in the arms that I could barely get a long sleeved shirt down 'em. Apparently while the Brits know how to make the best wet weather gear, they also have pencil thin arms. :laughing
 
dont be so quick to judge. many riders cannot afford all the gear that is most suitable for all conditions.
 
ninja.jpg
 
Stormdragon said:
Perhaps if the gear manufacturers would move away from making the only options for gear in black? :teeth
Click to expand...

THIS. Look around, what is the majority of "decently priced available gear". Yup, black it is. Stroll into Road Rider, Cycle Gear, etc. What is that majority of the color of gear fresh off the shelves, without being specially ordered, and in most common sizes.
 
If you commute every day...an obvious (albiet expensive) choice would be a Hi-Viz Aerostitch Roadcrafter suit. I wear one, easy to get on and off as well; takes under 30 seconds.
122_0811_01_z+aerostich_hi_viz_lime_yellow_roadcrafter_suit+side_view.jpg
 
The reflective piping really shows up at night.
 
Stormdragon said:
Perhaps if the gear manufacturers would move away from making the only options for gear in black? :teeth


My winter gear is all black, with a faint attempt at reflective piping. I wanted the jacket and pants in black with red panels, but for some reason those models were so tight in the arms that I could barely get a long sleeved shirt down 'em. Apparently while the Brits know how to make the best wet weather gear, they also have pencil thin arms. :laughing
Click to expand...

This. The only MC winter jacket that fit right for me is a Tourmaster in Medium Tall. Guess what colors the Tall sizes came in? Hint: Henry Ford would be proud of the color choices.

FWIW, I blame my brit father for the skinniness. :(
 
Most of my street gear is all black with a little reflective material on them. But I don't depend on my gear to be seen. Ride defensively, keep a safety cushion around you, and always assume people don't see you.

That being said, Santa is bringing me a hi-viz yellow jacket for Christmas.
 
V4 said:
funny thing about sf 'riders' is that many of em don't ride outside of the city....

whether it be a scooter or harley or 1000rr....

but they look cool which what really counts...
Click to expand...

I see what you did there.
 
kerwink040 said:
HOW CRAZY IS THAT? DO THESE RIDERS HAVE A DEATH WISH? DO THEY REALISE THAT IF THEY HAVE A WRECK IT NOT ONLY AFFECTS THEM BUT ALL THOSE BEHIND THEM?
I'm a motorcyclist and I look for bikes before I change lanes, etc. but DAM I can barely see these riders. The same for the evenings, especially now that it gets darker earlier.
This pisses me off that they can be so STUPID/ CARELESS.
Click to expand...

New to BARF? ;)

Ask yourself what do you expect from drivers that do see you?
Do you trust other riders and drivers?
How much safer are you in hi-viz?
Do you feel safer? Good.
Do you feel like you no longer have a death wish?
Or is does everyone else that doesn't ride still think you have a death wish?

Happy New Thanksgiving Day y'all!
 
If you rely on the color of your gear to be seen then you already made your first mistake. I prefer to not be seen until I've passed you.
 
So... Try on the black stuff at the store, and when you find something you like that fits, order the red one. You waited however long to go shopping. Won't hurt to wait another week for it to get there.

And if you start ordering in colors, stores will start stocking it.
 
Yes hivis would be better. You get a vote when you are riding instead of driving. These guys are living the life, you are a spectator.
 
kerwink040 said:
I drive my pickup truck into SF m-f between 5:30 and 6:00am. I see a half dozen or more commuters on motorcycles wearing all black. Do they realize they can hardly be seen? All you see of them is a small red light on the back of their bikes (if that). I saw one or two, maybe the same rider that had no light on the back of his/her motorcycle add the fact that they lane split as well.

HOW CRAZY IS THAT? DO THESE RIDERS HAVE A DEATH WISH? DO THEY REALISE THAT IF THEY HAVE A WRECK IT NOT ONLY AFFECTS THEM BUT ALL THOSE BEHIND THEM?
I'm a motorcyclist and I look for bikes before I change lanes, etc. but DAM I can barely see these riders. The same for the evenings, especially now that it gets darker earlier.
This pisses me off that they can be so STUPID/ CARELESS.
Click to expand...

So what you're saying is that you did see motorcyclists wearing all black with no taillights, right? Just checking. Thanks for shouting, though - that helps.

Also, I always wondered what sort of person would buy a DN-1. I guess you are the sort of person: someone who drives a pickup truck in SF instead of riding a motorcycle. :dunno

One last thing: I also happen to think wearing all black with no reflective material and a broken taillight is foolish, but I also know better than to assume that my high-viz/reflective gear will prevent someone from squashing me and then claiming they never saw me.

Good day, sir. :x
 
All black gear is like high-heels for women - looks good in the mirror.

If you're serious about being seen, nothing a $30 hi-viz vest couldn't fix.
 
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