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Dangerous Rider Attitudes?
By Bill Aggie
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The concept of conspicuity when riding a motorcycle is well proven to most safety experts and riders alike. You might agree that being seen by oncoming motorist may be the very best way to avoid being hit in a deadly head-on collision, right? Well, there is a group of experienced riders out there that just happen to disagree with you! In some of the strangest forum conversations I've visited, you might walk away with the idea there is some truth that a "stealthy" low profile is the safe way to ride. I certainly hope this article will dispel this belief although my anticipation is that stealthy bikers will not be motivated to change their rebellious and sinful ways. I recently was invited into an internet conversation involving some truly headstrong bikers, myself included. One of my "highly visible" customers asked me to join a conversation between a group of experienced bikers on the subject of conspicuity. There was a battle of wits between those riders that believe in a high level of conspicuity and those that do not. Shockingly, many of these riders believed it was safer to not be seen by nearby motorist. This is a seriously flawed concept in my humble opinion! l can not believe any rider could ever conclude naturally you are better off not being seen on your bike! This is an unfortunate conclusion an appreciable number of experienced riders have come to. Making matters worse, is there is some unfortunate appearance of credibility to this insane idea. Some of the bikers supporting this idea have 30 plus years of self proclaimed riding experience. Even more odd, our brothers in the UK have managed to unseat the notion that lights-on is safer and the UK government reversed itself with headlamp rules for daytime. They now allow riders to optionally use lighting in the day. I wonder how many of them choose to ride with lights off? I wonder if accident statistics will change for the UK. Experts in both in the USA and parts of Europe support the idea of lively conspicuity. It seems the idea of a stealthy and unnoticeable profile isn't an isolated concept by some in the brotherhood. I ask myself, " How anyone could reach the belief of stealthy biking"? What could I possibly be missing here? Do these bikers rely on the ability to flash their lights or ride 'dodge'em" style? If this is the argument then it doesn't make sense. What else could they be thinking? It's beyond my understand how these illogical conclusions have been reached by many of our brothers! But then again you can't teach common sense to some, and I think reasonable common sense indicates you are better off being seen. Personally, I notice a bike in the day with a big-ole-headlight shining my way much quicker than a dark colored bike with a dark clothed rider. Hey, it's just my opinion - but the overwhelming view by experts support my common sense. A high level of conspicuity is supported by many safety organizations including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and others such as the Hurt Study. Conspicuity is anything you can do to make sure you are seen both in day and night riding. Personally, I like dark clothing when riding (which is not an endorsed idea) as do many riders. However, I compensate for the dark clothing with bright reflective decals and graphics on my bike and helmet, I wear rider gloves with bright reflective stripes sewn in, and I ride with my headlamp and running lights always. In response to those that ride with a stealthy style, I could find no credible source of information that supports the idea. In fact, all credible evidence indicates a high level of conspicuity is the safe way to ride! Being seen is your best defense against a motorist turning left into your pathway. Being seen is the best defense from being creamed at an intersection or being run off the interstate. Whatever you do, don't buy into the idea that low conspicuity is a safer way to ride! If you are new to biking, don't automatically buy into the stealthy idea. Use your own common sense and reach your own conclusions. Practicing low conspicuity can be a deadly mistake! I suppose there will always be someone out there that can break all the rules and remain alive to convince others. This is called "surviving against all odds" and it's not a good protocol to practice the next time you get on your bike.
BE SEEN and LIVE to ride again!
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