Target Fixation for Bicyclists making themselves Targets

[afm199]

I’ve never heard of a motorcyclist complain about being too visible on this forum. I don’t c how it’d be any different for a bicyclist.

I used to wear cool Team jerseys and neat logos. Now I wear fluorescent lime green jersies and have flashing LED's mounted under my seat.

 

[wheel_muse]

I’ve never heard of a motorcyclist complain about being too visible on this forum. I don’t c how it’d be any different for a bicyclist.

Yes more visible and conspicuous. I try to run a more subdued running light on my bicycle. And a clothing/helmet/shoes kit that has something bright and contrasting

As a long time cyclist, motorcyclist and cage driver I look and hope for responsible and respectful riding to share the road.

 

[tzrider]

(As for those of you complaining about the strobing headlight on bicycles, I take it none of you has or is in favor of Moto headlight modulators, right?)

I haven't complained yet but no, I don't like motorcycle headlight modulators either. On the bike strobe, besides it being annoying, it makes it harder to judge the bike's distance, speed and exact location. Not sure how it nets out safety-wise but it seems like whatever one gains in having people notice them, they may lose in these other respects.

 

[Enchanter]

I haven't complained yet but no, I don't like motorcycle headlight modulators either. On the bike strobe, besides it being annoying, it makes it harder to judge the bike's distance, speed and exact location. Not sure how it nets out safety-wise but it seems like whatever one gains in having people notice them, they may lose in these other respects.

I find strobe-like bicycle lights can make it more challenging to accurately determine the speed of the bicyclist. I don't have that problem with modulated headlights on motorcycles though. I suspect that is due to the differences in the frequency of the flash rate.

I suspect that bicycle flash rate is unregulated, but I don't know for sure.

 

[sanjuro]

Well, I had to do some research here.

The average car/moto headlight is 700 lumens, the taillight is 100 (which a car would have at least 2, probably 4).

On all my bicycles, I use a 7lm rear light, which I thought was enough lights, but to my surprise, there are several 100-250lm rear lights. I also have a Cycliq rear camera which also puts out 100lm.

There are no regulations about rear light brightness or patterns: the only regulation is many areas require cyclists to have lights at night but no specifications.

The goal for rear lights is simply to be noticed by drivers. I'm not personally worried about if they can gauge my speed, despite sharing the road vs being in a separate bike lane. I don't think the speeds of casual riders, 10-12mph, vs my commute speed, 16-20mph, makes much of a difference to drivers.

 

[sanjuro]

PS one of my riding friends believes blinkies attract drunk drivers, so he recommends steady rear lights.

 

[anytwowilldo]

I can tell ya this after commuting by bicycle for a few years now. It's pretty much dog-eat-dog out there. Not only are you worried about cars crowding you but other cyclists. I don't "do the noodle" but I've seen it. It's effective. I don't blame anyone for doing whatever it takes to stay safe. Cyclists face the same hazards we do without the benefit of leathers, noise, good brakes, good traction, or a throttle.

So true. My son is an avid cyclists, often riding 100 miles a week on the road. Before he was 21 he had been involved in two car/bicycle accidents that were not his fault. Both resulted in an ambulance ride. The second resulted in broken bones and severe concussion. He was lucky as the other cyclist, two feet to his right, was permanently disabled with a brain shearing injury. The two of them totalled a late model Ford Explorer when the 16 YO driver turned left in front of them in daylight. I believe a flashing strobe may have helped, but neither rider had one.

Bicycle riders have rights but don't get the respect moto riders do. They get pushed off the road or out into the dirty shoulder. They get tow mirrors flying by their heads and they get car doors opened in front of them. Most often, they are wear not much more than underwear and a foam helmet.

I've never seen a pool noodle but its not a bad idea and should be fully legal here in CA. Drivers often don't give cyclists the legal room or just don't know how wide their vehicle is. If you ride then road on a bicycle, you know as it has happened to you. I think drivers should be ticketed for passing bicyclists too closely as it is illegal. Unfortunately I've never heard of it happening.

Be safe out there people.

 

[afm199]

So true. My son is an avid cyclists, often riding 100 miles a week on the road. Before he was 21 he had been involved in two car/bicycle accidents that were not his fault. Both resulted in an ambulance ride. The second resulted in broken bones and severe concussion. He was lucky as the other cyclist, two feet to his right, was permanently disabled with a brain shearing injury. The two of them totalled a late model Ford Explorer when the 16 YO driver turned left in front of them in daylight. I believe a flashing strobe may have helped, but neither rider had one.

Bicycle riders have rights but don't get the respect moto riders do. They get pushed off the road or out into the dirty shoulder. They get tow mirrors flying by their heads and they get car doors opened in front of them. Most often, they are wear not much more than underwear and a foam helmet.

I've never seen a pool noodle but its not a bad idea and should be fully legal here in CA. Drivers often don't give cyclists the legal room or just don't know how wide their vehicle is. If you ride then road on a bicycle, you know as it has happened to you. I think drivers should be ticketed for passing bicyclists too closely as it is illegal. Unfortunately I've never heard of it happening.

Be safe out there people.

Ouch, that sucks.

I'm totally paranoid on my bike. I plan my rides every time, and always look for the safest roads. Oakland has miles of designated bike lanes, and all my rides aim for them. If I have to go on open road, I almost always use a mirror and scan it often. I have too many friends who have been taken out from behind. Even if 99% of the drivers watch you, one is all it takes.

 

[ocoas]

I like the pool noodle but do have a concern.

Ever see a cup or soda can rolling around on the ground and try to see if you can hit it while drive past it? My fear is the same with the noodle. Somebody trying to see if they can hit the noodle without striking the bike.

 

[Tally Whacker]

I've seen a crusty old guy bike commuting on one of the local roads that used to be considered a motorcyclist playground.

This old guy uses a 3' steel rod, spring mounted at the base so it sticks straight out the side but can pivot forward when it needs to.

I think it's freaking brilliant. If a driver doesn't see or disregards the flag on the end of the rod and passes by too close, his car gets royally scratched to hell.

If the car gets gouged to fuck by this guy's steel "passing room enforcer" it's by definition the car driver's fault.

 

[mjj]

...when the 16 YO driver turned left in front of them in daylight.

Ugh, I'm very sorry for your son's experience.

I was an avid bicycle commuter for 10 years and the "Right Hook" is the most dangerous and common error of judgement a motorist can make. Despite my rage on the subject, I'll concede that it is probably an error, and not an intentional and premeditated murder attempt (one certainly does assume the latter in the heat of the moment, however).

Turning left in front of oncoming traffic comes in a VERY close second.

We need a MUCH better system of driver training.