Flashing lights and safety vests might increase your odds a little but you still have to be alert and drive defensively. It's up to you to watch out for the morons on the road cuz they sure as hell are not watching out for you!

 

OK - I'll definately order the back off.

I would still like to toss on a couple of strobe lights though. That kind of thing gets attention - & eventually they have to look up so the sooner they see me the less likely to kill me.

 

Many if not all states prohibit flashing strobes on anything but emergency vehicles. Get yourself a high visibility vest and a brightasstailight (if applicable for your bike) and leave the rest to God, good luck and defensive riding skills.

Even with everything in our favor, riding a bike on the streets isn't much more than a crap shoot anyway. Any day we go out we can roll snake eyes.

 

Dude that's depressing. If your head is in the game you are no more likely to get hit commuting than any other time. Hell since my kids were born commuting is the majority of my riding. But now they are old enough for (and excited about) me to take longer rides with them.

Bright clothing, flashing brake lights and reflective surfaces all help others see you when you might otherwise blend into the background. But the best tool is your awareness of the most dangerous positions you put yourself in - stoplights, blindspots, etc.

Don't let fear keep you from doing the thing you love.

 

I strongly dissagree. Perhaps the region I live in has different type drivers than yours? I've been out there in the mornings around here, and no out of towner will EVER convince me otherwise.
It's totally dog-eat-dog around here during the morning commutes, and FAR more laid back during non peak hours.

Don't believe me? Doesn't bother me.

 

Here's my thoughts. If your wife is the one with the issues, just wear whatever makes her the most comfortable about you on your bike without you feeling un-comfortable. No one but you will ever know that balance. For me added lights both front and rear, and louder than stock pipes does more than reflective gear. But thats just me.

 

Good advice - I'll be adding the flashing tail lights & the strobe - cops be damned.

The commute where I live in central Illinois is pretty easy - very little if any traffic & though 5 out of 10 cars has an idiot driving - I have fewer of them around me than say chicago or LA.

I dont mind the bike sitting in the parking lot all day either. Not sure why anyone would worry about the bike being in the parking lot? I mean - its not a golden egg - its a bike meant to be ridden.

But I've always had a belief that a car or truck or a bike is a tool, like a hammer - you use it for a reason - haul kids to the Dr. haul fire wood for the fire -haul my *** around to relax -they each have their use - but sitting in the garage is not one of them.

 

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/rick/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png[/IMG]I have this coat for sale HD 98256-09VM. When I was in the Marines it was mandatory to ride with a reflective vest. My wife bought me this and I have never worn it. Still has the zippers wrapped in paper. 100.00 +shipping and its yours. I'd post pix but haven't figured it out yet

 

There are a bunch of good threads on this subject. There have been improvements on the style of high vis gear.

Www.brightasslights.com is what I am switching to this season. I am dropping the cash for a hd led bulb and some aftermarket led signals.

As cheesy as they look, think about led light strips around the engine. It helps improve side visibility.

All that said, you still have to be proactive and drive defensively. A large percentage of accidents is caused by drivers turning into the path of on coming motorcycles and at intersections. Allow for plenty of distance and scan your path for hazards.

 

I thinking adding visibility reduces your chance of getting hit. I also agree that if someone is not paying attention. ie texting, there is not much increased visibility will do. a combination of vigilance on our parts, and increasing visibility is a winner. I could always make myelff more visible than I have, but just can't seem to get past lime green stuff. I do what I am willing, knowing that there is more that can be done.

A couple of things I have done on my person and on my bike. I have seen videos of my in a group ride and I am much more visible than most of the other riders in the pack, without looking like a power ranger (if that is important to you).

The bike: 2008 Streetglide

1. HD fog lights mounted to the crash bar: give width to the kike, increasing its over all appearance of size.
2. Turn signal to running light conversion: really makes a difference

Clothing:

Me: White helmet, black leather jacket with orange and white horizontal stripe from Fox Creek Leather in cooler weather. Silver, Vanson mesh jacket when it is hot

Wife: Bright red/white helmet, black/orange/white leather in winter, HD high vi orange reflective mesh jacket in summer

I personally feel that lights are the best increase of visibility, but light placement is also important. I know it sounds obvious. The idea of creating width, through the fog lights also reates a triangle of light increasing the perception of size. Most research indicates that motorcycles are seen, but not exactly interpreted as a vehicle. By making the bike perceived as more 'car-like' it is more likely a person will not pull out in front of you. This is the reason I went with the fog lights rather that aux lights that are in-line with the headlight.

Not sure what bike you have, but my fairing blocks a lot of what I am wearing anyway, hence the lights. From behind, cars will see my wife before me, or not even see me other than my helmet. Since your wife is concerned and will be on the back, you can put the the hi-vis stuff on her, while maintaining your biker-cool exterior.