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By Earl Aelfheah · Posted
There is advisory guidance (as posted above). But it's just that, advisory. People should use their own judgement and I strongly oppose the idea that if one doesn't agree with their choice, then they 'get what the deserve' (which is effectively what Penguin is suggesting). People should abide by the rules obviously and should have lights and reflectors (which make them perfectly visible, especially in a well lit urban area). Anything they choose to do over and above that is up to them. The often used excuse of 'they came out of no where' / 'they were invisible', just doesn't wash with me. The highway code also suggest that pedestrians should: -
But there's a case for advisory guidance at least, surely? It's a safety issue, and surely just common sense? What do other countries do? And are there any statistics for accidents involving cyclists which compare those in daylight and those in dusk or at night, with and without street lighting? -
By Earl Aelfheah · Posted
People travelling by bicycle should have lights and reflectors of course. Assuming they do, then the are perfectly visible for anyone paying adequate attention. I don't like this idea of 'invisible' cyclists - it sounds like an absolute cop out. As pointed out above, even when you do wear every fluorescent bit of clothing going and have all the lights and reflectors possible, drivers will still claim they didn't see you. We need to push back on that excuse. If you're driving a powerful motor vehicle through a built up area, then there is a heavy responsibility on you to take care and look out for pedestrians and cyclists. It feels like the burden of responsibility is slightly skewed here. There are lot's of black cars. They pose a far greater risk to others than pedestrians or cyclists. I don't hear people calling for them to be painted brighter colours. We should not be policing what people wear, whether walking, cycling or driving. -
There does seem to be increasing use of an unofficial cycling get up which is black trousers, black jacket, black headgear (not usually a helmet) which makes cyclists and electric motorised cycle riders effectively invisible at night. For example, a number of cycling delivery drivers seem to choose this get up. It is their choice but it's a risky choice and a difficult one for a rational person to understand.
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