On Dec 13, 2008, at 10:46 AM, Paul T. O'Leary wrote:
A few years ago, Robbie told me something that I have since noticed
by direct experience as a car driver -- the most effective
reflectivity is that which is located at and below seat level.
That's about (as just mentioned) how car headlights' light pattern
is oriented (bad riceburner aftermarkets and post-crash
misdirections notwithstanding). Mitch's frame-tape idea works well
for this,
You mean, like this:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qv4fwckuw8MfL65ssH2lrw
I have a ridiculous amount of reflective material on my bike, all over
the frame, rims, fenders pedals, even the rack. I don't often drive
behind myself when I'm on a bike, but I assume this makes me pretty
visible. All of the bikes that I own that get used on the street get
at least a little reflective tape on the fork and seat stays.
I think it is possible to use reflective tape in more subtle,
attractive ways as well, it doesn't take much of it to attract
attention. For example, my wife put together a nice looking "stars
and stripes" pattern on my helmet with reflective tape. Perhaps some
artistic folks could develop attractive patterns that we could cut out
and apply to our bikes: flame patterns, skull-and-cross-bones, hearts,
rainbows, unicorns, snakes Playboy bunny ears, etc.
But also note that I think drivers are conditions to typical bike
reflectors, in the wheels and on the pedals when looking for cyclist
and determining what they are at night. For this reason I think its
critical to leave these reflectors on your bike.
Perhaps I am just too proud but I refuse to wear a safety vest for
daily riding. I shouldn't have to wear special hi-viz clothing for
biking any more then car drivers or pedestrians should. I have no
problem with making my bike super ugly though.
Frank Hassler
Good Oak Ecological Services
(608) 209-0607
www.goodoakllc.com
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