Warning to Horse Riders

AndyCF

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

The other night, I was driving along an unlit road and two white paper bags tumbled across the road in front of me, caught in a gust of wind.

Only at the last second did I realise it was someone's trainers and everything else he was wearing was black.

He ran across in front of me at the last second.

A close shave by the sounds of it.

I have had kind of similar but it was more a case of someone being more in focus with their smart phone than looking before walking out in front of moving traffic ( ! ) although this is an entirely different subject I know. Yes I was watching and was aware they might, and they did.

Point being here I guess there's that 'heart stopping' split second really...

neilmcl

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

The other night, I was driving along an unlit road and two white paper bags tumbled across the road in front of me, caught in a gust of wind.

Only at the last second did I realise it was someone's trainers and everything else he was wearing was black.

He ran across in front of me at the last second.

That reminds me of a close call I had a few years back. I was travelling along a narrow, windy, unlit country lane and saw a oncoming vehicle with his full beams on approaching, as they came to pass me round a bend they didn't bother knocking off the full beams and was also driving in the centre of the road. Fortunately I slowed right down to an almost stop which turned out to be a godsend because there was a jogger a couple of yards in front on my side of the road running in my direction, all clad in black running gear, not a piece of high viz to be seen apart from a little flash of reflection on the rear of his trainers. I would never have seen him thanks to the idiot blinding me and it was more luck than anything that there wasn't an accident.

To all joggers, dog walkers etc walking on country lanes, do yourselves a favour, walk against the traffic flow and wear appropriate clothing to be seen.

esuhl

Dunno if it helps anyone, but I've almost entirely covered the frame of my bike in 3M High Conspicuity 680 tape. It looks black, but reflects bright white when illuminated.

It also comes in different colours, so I've have orange bands on the pannier rack, saddle post, etc. It's lasted four years so far, with only a small scratch from manhandling it into the back of a 3-door hatchback.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/All-3M-Products/Transportation/Commercial-and-Specialty-Vehicles/Traffic-Vehicle-Safety/Reflective-Conspicuity-Markings/?N=5002385+8709340+8709962+8710677+8710933+8711017+3294857497&rt=r3

I also have spoke reflectors, which really improve side-visibility at night. I think they're a legal requirement in Germany.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/12pcs-Bicycle-Reflector-Reflective-Warning/dp/B00PFGXORK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_lp_t_2/259-2602704-2281944

My panniers are luminous yellow, with reflective thread and integral reflectors. My cycling jacket, gloves, bicycle clips, and jersey are covered in reflective material.

During the day, I use three flashing lights. At night I add two solid lights. The headlamp is designed like a car's headlight, with a recessed LED in a reflective chamber that directs light onto the road and not into drivers' eyes.

I have an airhorn, as loud as a car's horn, to alert other road users of my presence if necessary.

None of this stops dangerous driver behaviour, as most of it is deliberate. But at least no one can say they didn't see me coming!