by Michael Smith (Veshengro) Now, with autumn and winter arriving, the mornings are dark as are the evenings it is important for cyclists, children and adults alike, to be seen by other road users, whether motorists or others.
And while the great majority of cyclists, though still not all, display lights and even, maybe, additional reflectors it amazing to see how many of them in actual fact wear dark-colored clothing and are on dark-colored cycles. The same goes too for pedestrians.
While the trends of the 1980s may yet make a comeback – with fluorescent yellow, day-glow pink and orange being the height of fashion back then – what cyclists and motorcycle riders should display in order to be seen are reflective strips with a minimum width of 50mm in two bands, both horizontal and vertical, front and rear.
If you are buying a high visibility top for yourself, a family member or a friend please remember to get one which is one or two sizes bigger than you or they need so it will fit over an outer jacket and/or rucksack.
It may take a bit of research to find some with two vertical and horizontal strips but even if it is just those with horizontal stripes it is better than nothing. In addition to that there are armbands to be had and even small flashing lights that can be worn on armbands.
High visibility lights are much more affordable than when they were first brought out and even a decent set now longer has to cost a small fortune for front and rear. Don’t forget bicycles should also have a rear reflector as well.
Moving on to the sun being low at this time of year, both in the mornings and evenings, please consider wearing glasses to reduce glare. The old adage ‘see and be seen’ still applies, so don’t delay. Buy yourself or a loved one some reflective gear now – and stay safe on the roads.
Recently a lot of good kit like that, such as lights and glasses, of the Crivit Sports” brand, was available for reasonable prices at Lidl <http://www.lidl.co.uk/>, the German discount store that can also, by now, be found in many places in England.
Pedestrians too must consider their visibility, especially on country roads where there are few or no streetlights.
All too often they simply are totally invisible to both motorists and cyclists and the same goes in some areas for horse riders.
For pedestrians the little reflectors from Scanglo should be considered the use of which is rather common practice in Scandinavian countries.
Increasing your visibility, whether you walk or cycle, in the dark hours and season, enhances your safety. Do it!
© 2010