San Fairy Ann Cycle Club

I was driving along a busy main road in South London one evening this week and it was dark. I was behind a group of 6 or 7 club riders. They came from a South London Club as I could just make out the name. They were all dressed in very dark clothing (their club tops were not bright like ours) and they each had a single rear light flashing except for the one at the rear who had a light which wasn't working! I was appalled that a club ride could be so unaware of the dangers of night riding. I mention this as there does seem to be a few of our own riders that dress all in black on club runs now the bad weather has arrived. My own run today involved some very misty conditions and rain on occasions and I rode with a bright top and my rear light on. I do think that we should all make ourselves as visible as possible at all times but even more so once the autumn turns to winter. We have enough trouble with some motorists under normal conditions and if we make life even more difficult for them it is understandable that they get annoyed. I certainly was when I was driving behind Club X in the week. If we were to be knocked down and we needed to demonstrate to a court that we were riding sensibly and safely, I am sure it would not go in our favour if we were riding along dressed like Batman or the Man in Black. I know it's not trendy but if your tops are black or another dark colour, why not slip a light fluorescent safety vest over your top or purchase a bright gilet to make yourself more visible. Finally, even if it is fine and clear when you set off this time year always have some lights with you as the weather does change quite quickly as it did today.

Here endeth today's lecture - a serious post, but it might just save a life.

Thanks Clive, an important message

JB

Now go back to bed you silly old codger!

I will, just as soon as I have stuck my "Go Away Trick and Treaters" notice on the front door and complained to the local police about all those noisy fireworks- some of us need our beauty sleep!
Bah humbug- can't wait till Christmas!

It was nice to cycle with your son on the reliability trial, by the way. Very nice chap, genes must skip a generation!

I agree with most of what you say but I find this a rather sweeping statement that is slightly alarmist:

cliveb wrote:I am sure it would not go in our favour if we were riding along dressed like Batman or the Man in Black

Whilst Clive's statement as written may be alarmist I believe he was referring to the legal principle of Contributory Negligence. This applies when the cause of an accident or the extent of the injuries sustained have been partly caused by something the victim did (or did not) do.

For example not wearing a seatbelt with consequently more severe injuries will result in the amount of compensation paid by the driver who caused the accident being reduced. The amount of the reduction will be dependant on the particular facts as given by medical experts.

Recently there was an attempt to apply this to cycle helmets but as they are designed to protect against a fairly slow speed fall and not a collision with a car it was rejected. I've no doubt that it will be tried again in the future.

So to Clive's point. If a motorist collides with a cyclist in conditions of poor light and the cyclist is wearing dark clothing there's a 99% chance that the motorist's insurers will plead contributory negligence. The extent of this will be part of the negotiation between the solicitors or, if it gets to court, will be decided by the judge.

To sum up, bright clothing and lights are no guarantee that every motorist will see you but they will greatly help your subsequent claim for compensation.

Clive

I many times have metioned to riders about wearing dark clothing you just can't be seen. When Simon Olley and I designed the present club strip Visability was a key priority. The problem is some people live in this cocoon that "It won't happen to me" It is a sad state of affairs but the only way some of them will listen is when they are there with broken bones in a Hospital bed Taking Liquidised food through a straw.

Today 31/10/09 I rode with the "D" group and it was so encouraging to see riders with Helmets on and Hi Viz jackets . If they can do it so can all of us.

"Its hard to be trendy in a Hospital Bed"

Nuff said

some of us need our beauty sleep!

25 hours a day in some cases

While what has been said is true, if you re cycling and it is dark/gloomy enough for lights, and you have lights on, I would hope a driver would see you well before he could see what you were wearing. If it is the colour of my clothes that the driver has to take action for, I will pretty alarmed at them not seeing a flashing light ( or 3) ahead of them for quite a distance, and not realising there is a cyclist ahead.

I will admit I don't wear a black top, but neither do I wear a Hi Viz top, as I have almost been hit with a Hi Viz top on more times that without one strangely enough, and have decided that drivers will or won't see you based on if they actually look or not.

I drive for a living, and I have come across all types of riders and their different clothing, now the only ones that are a menace, are those without lights not matter what they are wearing, surely it is advisable to suggest people also puts lights on their bikes, as these are far more visible than clothing IMO.

Thanks Steve, an important message

JB

Now go back to bed you silly old codger (with less of the old!)

I've heard people say that fluorescent clothing actually works as quite good camo gear in the autumn. As has been said: If visibility is a concern, the solution, in order of importance has lights in the top 5 places. Reflective stuff only just makes it into the top 10!

It's like the story of the cyclist on the road in the pitch black with a helmet but no lights; one should prioritise the risks!