On hi-vis clothing: truck drivers and blind spots

[CommuRider]

Good article on how hi-vis clothing does bugger-all when you're in a truckie's blind spot.

http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/secure/w ... -high-vis/

[waramatt]

Agreed. I will stick with the hi-vis gear but more importantly give all trucks a wide berth and treat them with respect. I know who's going to come off second best!

[rokwiz]

Well said,
When your driving a truck you just don't have the visibility you need, you basically drive by mirrors. There is a lot of blind areas on the left and right side, one glance away when turning can spell disaster, for anyone caught in that blind area, give a wide berth to a truck and the truck will return the favour.
As an owner of two 5 tonne rigids, one 40 tonne semi and 5 bicycles a cop a lot of impatience no matter what, bike or truck your not going fast enough for em.
One of the most visible things a cyclist can wear (apart from bright clothing) is white socks as these are moving up and down in the distance drawing attention.

Geoff

[waramatt]

One of the most visible things a cyclist can wear (apart from bright clothing) is white socks as these are moving up and down in the distance drawing attention.

Geoff

Thanks for the tip Geoff. I have some yellow socks but might invest in a few white pairs too

[RonK]

Well said,
When your driving a truck you just don't have the visibility you need, you basically drive by mirrors. There is a lot of blind areas on the left and right side, one glance away when turning can spell disaster, for anyone caught in that blind area, give a wide berth to a truck and the truck will return the favour.
As an owner of two 5 tonne rigids, one 40 tonne semi and 5 bicycles a cop a lot of impatience no matter what, bike or truck your not going fast enough for em.
One of the most visible things a cyclist can wear (apart from bright clothing) is white socks as these are moving up and down in the distance drawing attention.

Geoff

Given your comment about the number of blinds spots around a truck, it would be interesting to hear your view on how effective the laser bike lane projector would be as an aid to a heavy goods vehicle driver's awareness of a cyclist's proximity. Should we all run out and buy one?

[rokwiz]

[i]Ronk,
I like it, what a great invention, truckers should always be aware of cyclist anyway but anything that improves safety is a boon. good one
I'll buy one each for my bikes[
Geoff/i]

[il padrone]

OK, Geoff. But I ride to work in my work clothing (no change facilities, showers or lockers) and carry two Ortlieb rear panniers. These days I have been running head/tail lights day and night and the Ortliebs have really bright reflective patches. From behind you won't see my socks (not white anyway) and I really don't want to wear hi-viz stuff as I like to keep as cool as I can to reduce the sweat factor.

I really do not have any concerns with truck drivers - they always seem to be the most considerate on the roads and the first to move out and change lanes to give me room.

Does this sound a correct strategy?

[waramatt]

Il Padrone

You must have either:

1. No sweat problem
2. A 'pedal slowly' approach
3. Understanding work colleagues or
4. Work alone

I don't know how I'd cope with lack of shower facilities. Pedal slowly I suppose.....

[il padrone]

OT but....

1. Pedal a bit slowly (hard to do)
2. Try to ease up in the last 2kms
3. Dress cool as I can stand - I'll soon warm up
4. Sparrow bath and deodorant at work
5. Sweat takes 12-24 hrs to breed the microbes that give you BO. By then I'm home and it's just my wife and kids that might have to put up with it

[RonK]

Il Padrone

You must have either:

1. No sweat problem
2. A 'pedal slowly' approach
3. Understanding work colleagues or
4. Work alone

I don't know how I'd cope with lack of shower facilities. Pedal slowly I suppose.....

Just eat plenty garlic - nobody will notice if you're a bit sweaty.


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[rokwiz]

il padrone,
I reckon you couldn't go wrong with a couple Hi Vis ankle straps and a Hi Vis sach. You wouldn't get to hot in them.
Never bothered me as I work outdoors when I'm on my bike. A bit of sweats' the least of my worries when your covered in dirt and Sandstone dust, blows off when you ride home anyway.Girls dig a bit of sweat on a tradie, so I've been told !
Geoff