Cyclist visibility

[Angelina]

The number of cyclists that are not wearing front and rear lights, or high visibility clothes is unreal.

Add to that dangerous weaving in and out, especially on this weather.

So selfish, irresponsible and dangerous.

We’re just tracking a bus route through Camberwell and have seen too many cyclists inadequately dressed and breaking the law.

 

[exdulwicher]

3 minutes ago, Angelina said:

and have seen too many cyclists inadequately dressed and breaking the law.

So... you saw them then? In spite of them having no lights (and presumably being dressed in all black / coming out of nowhere / insert any other standard anti-cyclist trope here).

I've long thought that the best way of being visible as a cyclist is to wear all black, have no lights and to ride on the pavement (or jump red lights). Not only does literally *everyone* see you, they pop onto the local forum to complain about you! On the other hand if you dress in all yellow and get T-boned, the driver will still manage to say "sorry mate, I didn't see you".

😉

[Angelina]

That’s right, we could see them passing us at the stops and then as we overtook them. There was one moped without lights doing about 30mph. 
 

Stupid is one word, but when it puts pedestrians at risk, it’s a different word.

We’ll be raising it and hopefully get some publicity about road safety awareness 

[Spartacus]

1 hour ago, exdulwicher said:

So... you saw them then? In spite of them having no lights (and presumably being dressed in all black / coming out of nowhere / insert any other standard anti-cyclist trope here

Maybe Angelina did see them, however how many people and drivers didn't? 

Just takes one to cause life changing for both. 

Wouldn't it be more sensible if cyclists realised lights and reflective gear is not just to help them see but to potentially save their lives by making them visible to all. 

[Kipper_1972]

1 hour ago, Angelina said:

The number of cyclists that are not wearing front and rear lights, or high visibility clothes is unreal.

Add to that dangerous weaving in and out, especially on this weather.

So selfish, irresponsible and dangerous.

you're witnessing "Natural Selection" the core mechanism behind the theory of evolution which determines if organisms will survive long enough to produce offspring

Edited 14 hours ago by Kipper_1972

[Angelina]

If a pedestrian gets hit by a bike, it can be very serious. All it takes is someone not spotting a cyclist coming up at speed. 
 

Clearly, no one wants a collision. so let’s just make it easier to be seen and for everyone to be safe.

Bike lights (front and back), helmet lights, reflective strips on your backpack, high visibility clips on the ankles, wrists, lights on your spikes… it’s not hard and it shouldn’t be expensive.

I’m just wondering if cyclists haven’t yet adjusted to the darker evenings and don’t actually realise. Perhaps cyclists don’t drive but would benefit from doing so and seeing what it’s like from a drivers point of view. 

All cars had lights on. 
One of the Boris bikes didn’t, it must have been broken as I thought they were automatic.

[HeadNun]

If the cyclist wasn't wearing lights and hi viz, did it really happen..........?

[malumbu]

One more cyclist one less driver.  Big picture.

[Sue]

5 minutes ago, malumbu said:

One more cyclist one less driver.  Big picture.

Not really the point, though?

I doubt cyclists who dress like this in the dark are or have been car drivers?

Surely if they were they would be more aware of visibility issues?

They are a real danger to themselves and others.

[first mate]

The other consideration is that users of Lime bikes and similar, plus younger pedal cyclists, probably don't view themselves as 'cyclists' as such and so don't get kitted out or even consider that they need to.

I also agree that earlier nights are another factor for the casual or hire bike user more used to cycling in the summer. I don't think I have ever seen a hire bike or scooter user wearing a helmet or reflective gear- presumably that is because the bike is just viewed as a transport tool for short term use and users do not want to be encumbered by any of the safety gear?

Before anyone jumps on me for anecdotal evidence and speculation, this is just what I have seen round here, there may be hordes of similar users elsewhere that are kitted out.

[Angelina]

It was normal cyclists, in rush hour traffic, in the dark, in the rain.

Just really want people to realise it’s that time of year even more careful and to get kitted out.

[Sue]

9 hours ago, Angelina said:

It was normal cyclists, in rush hour traffic, in the dark, in the rain.

Just really want people to realise it’s that time of year even more careful and to get kitted out.

I think part of the problem may be that if you are a cyclist and  can see cars and pedestrians after dark, e.g. lit by streetlights and headlights, you don't realise that they can't see you when your bike has no lights and you are dressed in dark non reflective clothing.

The other part of the problem may be that you just don't care, of course.

ETA: Do Lime bikes not have lights?

Edited 1 hour ago by Sue
Afterthought

[Angelina]

Lime bikes have lights at front and rear and reflectors.

Cyclists are required to be roadworthy before cycling on the roads. They are expected to know that cars cannot easily see them if they have no lights and especially wearing dark clothes.

[Earl Aelfheah]

15 hours ago, Angelina said:

The number of cyclists that are not wearing front and rear lights, or high visibility clothes is unreal.

People should have lights on - hard to disagree with that. It’s up to them what they wear though. People aren’t encouraged to paint the car bright yellow when it gets dark, or to stick fluorescent stickers all over themselves so they can be seen behind the wheel. There is no law that saws you have to dress brightly when walking or cycling, or driving a car.

14 hours ago, Angelina said:

There was one moped without lights doing about 30mph. 

A moped isn’t a bicycle.

Edited 9 minutes ago by Earl Aelfheah

[first mate]

Angelina, I think you have identified a genuine issue and I have noted similar. If cycling, in its various forms, continues to grow then I think safety education will have to somehow be addressed.

[Angelina]

Earl A……

You are misinformed. There is a legal obligation for cyclists to have front and rear lights. Rule 60 of The Highway Code 

Edited 10 minutes ago by Angelina

[Earl Aelfheah]

4 minutes ago, Angelina said:

Earl A……

You are misinformed. There is a legal obligation for cyclists to have front and rear lights. Rule 60 of The Highway Code 

I am aware. You didn’t read my post properly:

7 minutes ago, Earl Aelfheah said:

People should have lights on - hard to disagree with that.

I was pointing out that people can wear whatever clothes they feel comfortable in. And that a moped isn’t a bicycle.

Edited 6 minutes ago by Earl Aelfheah