Hi Viz

[ComedyPilot]

Had a mildy 'snappy' argument/discussion at work with a colleague who although reasonably eloquent was almost frothing at the mouth with anger when I suggested cyclists should not have to wear hi-viz.

His main point - 'Why wouldn't you want to make yourself visible?'

A point he stuck to and wouldn't accept alternative views. (bit like me)

I stated that I couldn't answer for other cyclists, but my bike more than complies with lighting requirements (which another colleague confirmed I was VERY visible).

I pointed out how far in front I look when I'm driving, and I anticipate having to stop, and if it's clear, then all good and well.

"Why should car drivers get held up just because you want to ride on the road. You should be charged tax for being on the road. If you want exercise go to a gym. I don't play football on the road...."

I said why not dress trees, walls, fences and any other roadside furniture up in dayglo yellow that motorists seem keen to hit with their cars?

"You're being stupid - you could get killed, but trees/walls don't have a family that will mourn them, and regret their stupidity/stubbourness"

I pointed out it's not just cyclists that vehicles get driven into, they also hit other vehicles, and maybe all cars should be bright yellow?

Some people REALLY do not like/get/understand cycling......

 

[ComedyPilot]

But at least you saw them......

 

[glasgowcyclist]

... when I suggested cyclists should not have to wear hi-viz....

We don't.

GC

 

[Kies]

ask your neanderthal work colleague if pedestrians should also wear high vis as they use the roads, and what about dogs on walks?
i am seeing more and more emphasis being placed on the riders, rather than the drivers

 

[ComedyPilot]

We don't.

GC

I know, but like........shhh....[looks around].....helmets.... a gradually increasing number of non-cycling members of pubic are voicing this opinion both to me, online, in newspaper comment columns, on the TV......

Call me paranoid, but it's getting more and more widespread.....

As an aside, another colleague is quite up on H&S at work, so I asked both him and the 'frothy-mouthed' colleague if they would classify hi-viz as PPE.

"Yes"

So, in a risk assessment of a work place is PPE the first consideration to implement........?

"No, of course not, you would look at the practice first, look at alternate methods, machinery, guarding....PPE would be last"

Then why is it the first thing you think of when looking at a cyclist on a road?

I'm off home now, to leave you to think about it.......

 

[uclown2002]

Is he fat as well as ignorant?

 

[ComedyPilot]

Is he fat as well as ignorant?

ha ha......

No, but like a LOT of drivers, he really believes cyclists have NO place on the road.

And in a factory canteen where it is one cyclist against 40 car drivers it does get a little weary.

 

[inkd]

As a night cyclist the fluorescent hi-viz is useless but the reflective strips are very visible therefore my Altura night vision is a must for me, Although given the choice again I would`nt of got the bright yellow one.

 

[ufkacbln]

I had one of these at work, until I filmed him performing a left hook through the red light on the entrance road...... next time he complined about cyclists, put the video on, and he has been quiet ever since

 

[ufkacbln]

I know, but like........shhh....[looks around].....helmets.... a gradually increasing number of non-cycling members of pubic are voicing this opinion both to me, online, in newspaper comment columns, on the TV......

Call me paranoid, but it's getting more and more widespread.....

As an aside, another colleague is quite up on H&S at work, so I asked both him and the 'frothy-mouthed' colleague if they would classify hi-viz as PPE.

"Yes"

So, in a risk assessment of a work place is PPE the first consideration to implement........?

"No, of course not, you would look at the practice first, look at alternate methods, machinery, guarding....PPE would be last"

Then why is it the first thing you think of when looking at a cyclist on a road?

I'm off home now, to leave you to think about it.......

Ask him whether he wears one when he goes to the Supermarket?

After all there is a formal Health and Safety requirement making it legally compulsory for staff when they cross the car park?

 

[Jon George]

Then why is it the first thing you think of when looking at a cyclist on a road?

Oh, how I wish you'd had a camera to capture their expressions!

 

[Frood42]

As a night cyclist the fluorescent hi-viz is useless but the reflective strips are very visible therefore my Altura night vision is a must for me, Although given the choice again I would`nt of got the bright yellow one.

I got the red one

 

[Accy cyclist]

I prefer to wear high viz when cycling, and "power walking". I like to be seen on the road and i know it works as i judge motorists reactions as they approach. I like to be seen when out power walking as some pavements are very narrow making me walk only a few feet from the road or even in the road. From my own point of view when i'm out driving i like to see a cyclist or pedestrain way before i reach them not just before i reach them!

 

[Herbie]

Had a mildy 'snappy' argument/discussion at work with a colleague who although reasonably eloquent was almost frothing at the mouth with anger when I suggested cyclists should not have to wear hi-viz.

His main point - 'Why wouldn't you want to make yourself visible?'

A point he stuck to and wouldn't accept alternative views. (bit like me)

I stated that I couldn't answer for other cyclists, but my bike more than complies with lighting requirements (which another colleague confirmed I was VERY visible).

I pointed out how far in front I look when I'm driving, and I anticipate having to stop, and if it's clear, then all good and well.

"Why should car drivers get held up just because you want to ride on the road. You should be charged tax for being on the road. If you want exercise go to a gym. I don't play football on the road...."

I said why not dress trees, walls, fences and any other roadside furniture up in dayglo yellow that motorists seem keen to hit with their cars?

"You're being stupid - you could get killed, but trees/walls don't have a family that will mourn them, and regret their stupidity/stubbourness"

I pointed out it's not just cyclists that vehicles get driven into, they also hit other vehicles, and maybe all cars should be bright yellow?

Some people REALLY do not like/get/understand cycling......

I'd hate to work alongside that guy....how can you stand it ?

 

[ComedyPilot]

I'd hate to work alongside that guy....how can you stand it ?

There's about 40 of them....he's not the only one with such attitude.

Slowly though, every year 1 or 2 more start riding a bike, either commuting or socially...

I take that as a consolation.