MolteniArcore
Well-known member
I agree, but it is a part of the safety solution, cyclists could and should help themselves with their personal safety by adopting it, especially when so many still like to ride on a road without any lights on, or maybe one not working, i see some that do, just like some irresponsible car drivers venture with bulbs gone.
The problem is often the selfishness of the road user (driver or cyclist) who because of their situation are willing to take a chance as it is unlikely they’ll get caught or be in an accident, unfortunately the just this once mentality will happen more than just this once. Hi vis exists for a reason, it makes common sense to do everything to be safe as you can in my eyes.
Hi Vis is used as a stick to beat cyclists with. Studies have shown Hi Vis can make you invisible to motorists in certain conditions and statistically doesn't make a rider safer.
Similar with stuff like helmets - a driver is likely to give a non helmet wearing rider more room. Strange eh? When you look into this stuff in depth there is far much more to it than you would think.
I agree though that cyclists should use lights where appropriate along with other safety measures. But we all know that you can't really mandate these as how are you going to round up all the local kids on bikes riding with no lights?
The main thing, in my opinion, is that where there is cyclists who disobey the rules of the road, the consequences of these actions are minimal. yes, they are frustrating, but as previously mentioned they rarely kill anyone. Cars on the other hand cause very serious consequences for disobeying the rules of the road. here are figures in this thread that back that up.
Everyone should obey the rules and make themselves as safe as possible but we know there are always the exceptions. Sadly in the UK car is king so frustrated drivers don't have to worry too much.