Invisibility!

[Mr Scruff]

I know, I know, it's been done to death in this forum but how come, despite being over 6 foot tall and decked out like a fecking Christmas tree people STILL can't see me when I'm riding??

I have flashing lights. I have static lights. I have high vis. I have reflective. I have yellow, and (as that's not so good under street lights) I also have red. I abide by the rules of the road as if I were in a car. I queue (a bit!). I give way to the right. I stop at lights.

But still. STILL people don't bloody notice me..! There's a reason why I feel more alert after I've cycled in, it's not down to the exercise, it's from being in a constant state of readiness in order to deal with the 4-wheeled morons round my way!

Ok, so it's not much of a rant - too much resignation I guess. Who'd be a winter cycle-commuter huh?

[Mr Gear]

Well at least if you are a winter cycle commuter you don't get your life ruined by train companies who can't get a train to the correct platform or by spastic drivers who don't know how to handle the conditions.

But I think what it comes down to in every case, is "not looking", not "not seeing".

[Mr Will]

Don't rely on being seen. People pull out in front of Articulated lorries, what makes you think they'll notice a push bike?

Just work on the assumption that you actually are invisible and when someone does notice you then it's a pleasant surprise.

[timbo48]

I'm pretty sure that the A pillars and door mirrors are to blame. From certain angles, even a car can disappear behind them, so what chance do you stand on two wheels. Mind you, once you, as the driver, realsie this, then you should take more care at junctions.

[henrycrun]

If you suspect an imminent smidsy, try a big wobble to get their attention.
Always riding in a straight line can invite trouble.

[shalmaneser]

Mr Will said:

Don't rely on being seen. People pull out in front of Articulated lorries, what makes you think they'll notice a push bike?

Just work on the assumption that you actually are invisible and when someone does notice you then it's a pleasant surprise.

This is good advice!

[yellowjack]

henrycrun said:

If you suspect an imminent smidsy, try a big wobble to get their attention.
Always riding in a straight line can invite trouble.

Do I recall a line from the film 'Battle of Britain' along the lines of "never fly (ride?) in a straight line for more than 30 seconds", and I'm sure that growing eyes in the back of your head would be useful too.

[Saddle bum]

yellowjack said:

henrycrun said:

If you suspect an imminent smidsy, try a big wobble to get their attention.
Always riding in a straight line can invite trouble.

Do I recall a line from the film 'Battle of Britain' along the lines of "never fly (ride?) in a straight line for more than 30 seconds", and I'm sure that growing eyes in the back of your head would be useful too.

The mounting of 20mm cannon in the brake levers could also have a deterent effect

[Liquid Knight]

I bought this recently.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Nice bag, big enough for my laptop and lunch and spray resistant.

As for being invivisble there is no cure. Car drivers are in their own little Faroday cage and the outside world doesn't exist. Unless you ride a recumbent like me, then you become the centre of the Universe and no driver can pass you without gormlessly gawping at the fangledcontrabulation self propellifying its way down the road.

On my ATB I'm invisible on my recumbent I nearly got knocked off by a driver who was trying to take a photo of me and my bike with his phone.

And my little rant why is it when I'm doing a comfortable 30-32mph in a 30 zone drivers still insist on overtaking then slowing down as soon as they pass. Grrrrr!

Wear motorbike gloves with carbon/chrome dusters! Just in case.

Edited by Liquid Knight on Monday 6th December 13:31

[yellowjack]

Saddle bum said:

yellowjack said:

henrycrun said:

If you suspect an imminent smidsy, try a big wobble to get their attention.
Always riding in a straight line can invite trouble.

Do I recall a line from the film 'Battle of Britain' along the lines of "never fly (ride?) in a straight line for more than 30 seconds", and I'm sure that growing eyes in the back of your head would be useful too.

The mounting of 20mm cannon in the brake levers could also have a deterent effect

Unfortunately, largest calibre weapon I can lay my hands on is the AW50 EOD Rifle, firing 12.7mm Armour Piercing Incendiary rounds. Do you think that this would do the trick? I could mount it to the side of the top tube, fire it remotely from the handlebar, and aim it simply by pointing the bike. Any BiB have opinion as to the legal position regarding this modification? Also, I am concerned that the recoil effect of firing the weapon might significantly reduce my average speed, not to mention the weight penalty, especially on the climbs!

[Mr Will]

[Saddle bum]

yellowjack said:

Saddle bum said:

yellowjack said:

henrycrun said:

If you suspect an imminent smidsy, try a big wobble to get their attention.
Always riding in a straight line can invite trouble.

Do I recall a line from the film 'Battle of Britain' along the lines of "never fly (ride?) in a straight line for more than 30 seconds", and I'm sure that growing eyes in the back of your head would be useful too.

The mounting of 20mm cannon in the brake levers could also have a deterent effect

Unfortunately, largest calibre weapon I can lay my hands on is the AW50 EOD Rifle, firing 12.7mm Armour Piercing Incendiary rounds. Do you think that this would do the trick? I could mount it to the side of the top tube, fire it remotely from the handlebar, and aim it simply by pointing the bike. Any BiB have opinion as to the legal position regarding this modification? Also, I am concerned that the recoil effect of firing the weapon might significantly reduce my average speed, not to mention the weight penalty, especially on the climbs!

On reflection, recoiless rifles seem to be the better option. It also should have a deterrent effect on the numpty following too close behind.