Actually the standard Cateye bicycle reflectors do have a bit wider angle of reflectivity. It is a bit greater than you make out there. They are probably visible for up to 45 degrees either side of a 90 degree angle, as the diagram below shows. The Cateye reflectors are a whole series of small corner reflectors, that throw light directly back at the source.Mulger bill wrote:Matty, the blue bit is exactly why I think that factory wheel reflectors are useless, you want the smokebox to spot you before you are directly in front (or the tiny +/- 5 degree or whatever viewing angle they're good for).
Probably the best option is a set of tyres with a reflective strip on them. These are very conspicuous.
Ultimately what stops you being hit by a car in a side-entry situation is not side reflectors, but rather a very good bright beam on your headlight