Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Hi Vis Waistcoats Hi Vis Waistcoats
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
Hi Vis Waistcoats
Hi All

One for debate!

Have been commuting the last few months on some very busy roads in the UK doing about 70 miles per day.

Decided to buy a new black jacket for the winter. Although it has florsent seams, have been shocked by how often I don't get seen at night with it on. (They didn't have any colours in).

I found the biggest problem is cars driving so fast that they do not realise that you are not part of the car infront and then have to slam on the breaks before nearly tail ending you.

Got to the stage where I was getting cut up so often that I've borrowed a Hi Res waistcoat to go over the jacket.

So here I am at 34 "Dayglo Derek", so far have not been cut up anywhere near the amount before.

Out of curiosity had a look at the stats and found that you are 20% less likely to be involved in an accident with a hi Vis clothing on.

What are the best Hi Vis clothing within reason?

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Can't answer that one Julio, but can add that reflective tape - available in all colours including black - also makes a big difference at night. A few strips on the sides well worthwhile, that's where you're hardest to see, as well of course lots at the back. I have a red fluorescent strip for day and a reflective strip for night on the back of my mirrors - really stands out.

Add LED flashing brake light, and additional LED taillights, and you're about as good as you're going to get.

yes I have it all...

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
What do you hear most? "Sorry, didn't saw you comming...". Seldom the biker is the who didn't see oncomming traffic.
So for me too it is all about making sure I am being noticed and that it is easier to get an idea about the speed I am riding.
Therefor:
* 2 Halogene foglights front
* 1 fog light on the tail end
* 2 little extra break light

My next jacket (to be ordered soon) will be flashy red. Helmet hell red! ....

One remark, I have noticed that there are big quality differences inbetween stripings. The ones we have in the firestation are great (sometimes we look like break dancers with the flashing bleu lights at night ;-). But the ones you buy in the warehouse are crap...

So wich brand is ok? How can I recognise a decent striping?

PS: the reason why it is so hard to make a judgement about the speed of a motorbike is because there is only 1 light-point. If there are 2 or three that form "a line" it becomes a lot easier for other people on the road to get an idea how fast you'll be up close and personal. I have noticed a big difference with the 2 fog lights in front. A total of 3 lightpoints always on.

------------------
http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/

[This message has been edited by fireboomer (edited 30 October 2002).]
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Oct 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
I use a sleeved high vis vest which I got from work and can say that I notice the difference between when I am and am not wearing one.

I also find the dayglo yellow ones are better during the day than the dayglo orange ones.

You should be able to buy them from any industrial supplier...
I just checked on www.greenhams.com , among other stuff you can get a high vis waistcoat for £18-95.
Worth a look
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Oct 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
For striping, it's all about brand name - 3M makes excellent stuff.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Santa Fe, NM , USA
Posts: 21
www.aerostich.com sells rolls of HIGH VIZ tape for your bike. I like to put some in broad strips across the back and sides of my cases.

Also, a Hi-Viz WHITE helmet does wonders.

-NewMexEd
__________________
NewMexEd
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: London, UK
Posts: 270
Hi Guys

I think that I have found the solution,

A "H-BELT" (2" Shoulders and Waist) 100% fluorescent and retroreflective. Fully adjustable. Colours - Yellow/Red/White.

This is visable in day and night which is a bonus, will not flap about and can be wiped clean when dirty. It has a join on the back between the shoulder straps to stop them falling down

Check the site out, saw a guy with one on last week and it did stand out. The company is GLO-MARKA that makes them.

They are going to have a stall at the Bike show in Birmingham UK on a stall

www.marketsquare.co.uk/ilfracombe/glomarka.htm

I going to buy one this week and will let you know how I get on with it.

Cheers

Julio
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
A good jacket for visability is available from Hein Gericke, its comes in red, black or high viz yellow, I do about 600 mles a week and wear it every day, the front is not as bright as it was but it stll stands out, I used to use hi viz vests but always ended up loking like batman when the velco came undone. The hien gericke is the best for viz and weatherproofing

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Dec 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 19
I found the biggest problem is cars driving so fast that they do not realise that you are not part of the car infront and then have to slam on the breaks before nearly tail ending you.
--------------------------------

SOLAS-grade reflective tape is probably the most visible. I believe that 3M makes some but there are others. SOLAS is a standard used in marine safety. Can be found at most marine shops and some at Aerostich too, I believe. Applying some on the back and sides of your bike will make a huge difference.

hope this helps

Bruno
__________________
Bruno
Montreal, Canada
CBR 929
http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Dec 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 185
Hi folks,

I've been riding every day for about 6 months now and with the coming in of the weather and light failing I took to wearing a hi-vis waist coat over my black hein-gericke jacket.

Bought it for about £15 from a work wear shop - like Alexanders.

It works!

I travel down the M62 every day through very slow and staionary traffic and the difference when approaching cars is great - they see you coming and move - more than when it was just my headlights.

The number of cars the also pull out to over take or catch you up mean that they see me a lot!!! earlier!!!!

OK - so I look like a numpty but as soon as I get my hands on some I'll be adding some to my top box - tape that is - and my alu panniers for the summer when touring again.

The nice thing is that it rolls up - fits in my jacket pocket so if it's a really nice day I can ride without it.

Would strongly reccomond it!

Tony.
__________________
Tony Robson
I'll try anything once, twice if it didn't kill me!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Dec 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 71
I see that Aerostich make a Hi-Vis jacket in the Darien range, and I have been "navel-gazing" over the decision of do I really want to wear one, I guess my question is does anyone out there own/tried the jacket and is it effective?

------------------
Macca & Lynda
Tiger955i
__________________
Macca & Lynda
Tiger955i
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:37.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top