So I wear Hi Viz....

[servicerifle]

Nope, I'm in a great mood!  

I just call 'em like I see 'em!

[axelwik]

Not saying that it doesn't happen to me, but may I guess that you stay in one place in the lane, with even speed, and rarely draw attention to yourself in traffic?

It is my personal belief that a lot of folks, particularly hi-viz folks, seem to think that being a good motorcyclist is staying steady in one lane, merging at the same rate as cars, occupying the far right side of the road or lane, and basically being inconspicuous.

I have found that "hooning it up" (as much as is legal) will get you enough attention to lessen these events.  I don't ride "in town" a lot but when I do, I move in the lane quite a bit, and especially when I see anyone in a turn lane or driveway.  I will move in traffic in a far different (and usually more aggressive/quicker) manner than a car would.  I like to say that I'm "using every advantage provided by a motorcycle to the fullest extent of the law."  Believe me that will get you some attention, and if you're doing it right, you will not be there long enough to actually annoy anyone. I also have a loud horn and play an inconsistent beat to get their attention.  "Shave and a haircut, two bits" seems to get lots of attention.

Go ahead and say "you give motorcyclists a bad name" but I think it's a safer way to ride.  To not draw attention to yourself in an effective way is to not even give us a "name" at all, as we are truly "nobodys" on the road then.

+1. You've got to stay out of those danger zones and learn to anticipate what the idiots are doing... not just around you, but far ahead. With experience and the right thought process/attitude you should be able to recognize when things are going to go bad well before they do. As servicerifle stated, most of the time it's safer to get past the traffic - moving a little faster and maybe a blip of the throttle to quickly get past danger zones. It's certainly safer to make full use of one's lane and use the capabilities of the motorcycle.

On my sport-touring bike I wear a high-viz Darien jacket and it makes a tiny bit of difference, but I still have to ride like they don't see me and do the things outlined above. On my sportbike I wear gray or black and a white helmet (because I'd rather wear leather on the sportbike and that's the gear I have).

Riding a motorcycle is a thinking person's sport. If one learns primarily from one's own mistakes, then maybe one shouldn't ride motorcycles - one cannot survive too many mistakes on a motorcycle.

[sammyseaman]

I agree that moving in a steady and predictable manner makes you even less likely to be noticed . . . . I, too, diddybop back and forth in my lane, stand on the pegs needlessly from time to time, and sing Broadway show tunes at the top of my lungs.

Establishing eye contact is interesting advice -- and I would believe in it, if I hadn't had numerous folks seemingly look me in the eye while pulling out in front of me  . . . . . (or, maybe they object to my singing "I Feel Pretty?")

  Yous one crazy boomer hippie dude  

[blueridgerider]

Not to bring religion into this, but the same fallible human race that believes that other fallible humans have clarity to know and say who or what "god" is, are the same fallible humans that write articles.  I've written a few myself.  Doesn't make me, or anyone else, any more right.  I'm not anti-hi-viz, but the riding style that is typified by the average hi-viz rider is not conspicuous, in my opinion.

I wouldn't take any article as gospel - to play upon your comment.  But it was well-reasoned, the research made sense to me, and IMO made just good common sense.  I will admit I did not run out and immediately replace my gear upon reading it, but when I did need a new helmet and later a new jacket I kept the article in mind figuring it cannot hurt.

Anecdotally (again I know) wearing my yellow gear the last couple of years I have had several people come up to me and tell me how visible I was.  Ridden for about 25 years and have never had that happen before.

Speaking about your hi-viz stereotypical rider.  In all honesty 99% of the riders I see on the road do not actively (IMO) try to be seen.  No matter what gear they are wearing.  Most camp in one part of the lane just like these hi-viz guys you are talking about.  So I am not getting your stereotype bash on them - it seems to be about all riders to me.

[CanadianBird]

When I rode a Harley, I wore all black. When I switched to a sport-touring bike I wore more colour including the helmet.

Now I ride in a red Clover and an Icon flurescent green vest. I'm retired so do not need to commute and only ride in the city to get out of it and onto the highway. I avoid rush hour traffic whenever possible. Am I a pussy or what?

I agree with much of the above except the negativity to Hi Viz. I, like most of us, always ride defensively, expect the unexpected, and consider all gagers as the biggest menace on the road. You know the type, cell talkers, eaters, putting on make up, shaving, yes shaving, readers, etc.

I will continue to wear Hi Viz b/c I feel it adds one more level of safety and visibility.

[cbsnbiker]

+1.  Hi-Viz is a lie.

It's not a lie. It's a tool. It's helpful, but it is far from infallible.

+1 to "inattentional blindness."

[servicerifle]

Maybe I only notice the hi-viz guys!  LMFAO!!!  

[jfurf]

I think Servicerifle is more or less correct.

I see complaints on motorycle sites about how drivers constantly "come into my lane" or whatever. Honestly, I probably have a more gnarly commute than 95% of motorcyclists (I-85 from spaghetti junction into midtown ATL every single day  ) but I barely ever experience any sort of drama.

When I see a cage coming over into my lane, I dont' think of it as "my lane." I think of it as, "Ok, that cage is coming over. Now what am I going to do?" Usually I gas it and get ahead, or fall back about if I can (usually can't due to heavy traffic) or I'll ride the white line for and share the lane for a few seconds. Learn to start seeing the road in terms of space (instead of lanes) and the experience of riding in heavy traffic start to feel a lot better.

[cbsnbiker]

Maybe I only notice the hi-viz guys!  LMFAO!!!  

I notice hi-viz gals.    

[miles]

I think Servicerifle is more or less correct.

I see complaints on motorycle sites about how drivers constantly "come into my lane" or whatever. Honestly, I probably have a more gnarly commute than 95% of motorcyclists (I-85 from spaghetti junction into midtown ATL every single day  ) but I barely ever experience any sort of drama.

When I see a cage coming over into my lane, I dont' think of it as "my lane." I think of it as, "Ok, that cage is coming over. Now what am I going to do?" Usually I gas it and get ahead, or fall back about if I can (usually can't due to heavy traffic) or I'll ride the white line for and share the lane for a few seconds. Learn to start seeing the road in terms of space (instead of lanes) and the experience of riding in heavy traffic start to feel a lot better.

Welcome to California.  

[motomem]

I accept the fact that they are brain dead morons and that they, and their entire families including pets  should be euthanized to protect the gene pool, however that's not really practical so it's incumbent on me to get out of their way. Still fucking annoying

I was with you up until here. Nobody will set idly by and let you euthanize pets because of their owners actions.

There has to be a study or something that says Hi Viz is more visible or emergency people would still be wearing florescent orange. Now consider a Stich in that florescent orange.  

I had a woman at a 4 way stop look straight at me as I pulled out. Let me get to the middle of the street and here she came. As she nearly ran me down a surprised look crossed her face. Her mind wasn't on what she was doing - auto pilot. It wouldn't have mattered what color I had on. Not one bit.

[bomber]

  Yous one crazy boomer hippie dude  

To quote rifle, I tell it like I see it ;-}

[Specter]

Add a headlight modulator. Most effective solution I've found.

But keep riding like you're invisible, because you are.

[jetnc1]

I think Servicerifle is more or less correct.

I see complaints on motorycle sites about how drivers constantly "come into my lane" or whatever. Honestly, I probably have a more gnarly commute than 95% of motorcyclists (I-85 from spaghetti junction into midtown ATL every single day  ) but I barely ever experience any sort of drama.

When I see a cage coming over into my lane, I dont' think of it as "my lane." I think of it as, "Ok, that cage is coming over. Now what am I going to do?" Usually I gas it and get ahead, or fall back about if I can (usually can't due to heavy traffic) or I'll ride the white line for and share the lane for a few seconds. Learn to start seeing the road in terms of space (instead of lanes) and the experience of riding in heavy traffic start to feel a lot better.

I just experienced Atlanta at 5pm on my bike 2 weeks ago, reminded me of that game Frogger, but it wasn't too bad really. But, my mc driving test (30 years ago) was up in Providence RI. Had to ride I-95 in the morning rush hour traffic to get there, and the test was if you made it around the block you passed. Needless to say alot of my early training was on I-95, so now I mostly ride the way servicerifle explained. I'll also flash my high beams every now and then just for good measure. I did not have any problems at all going through Atlanta bumper to bumper, but when riding at the speedlimit I try to make sure I'm seen by weaving a little in my lane and keeping good distances. Saved my butt when a 6x4 piece of cardboard flew out from under the truck in front of me and went 10 feet in the air, I had plenty of time to dodge it, even going 65.

[2wTraveler]

I am the complete opposite of the Hi Viz crowd. Most of my gear is all black, and I prefer to be somewhat stealthy. I do take full responsibility for whatever happens. If somebody cuts me off...i feel responsible for not seeing it coming, etc.

Done a lot of miles this way and rarely have any type of incident to report. Managed to ride the last 200+k miles without crash of any kind. Knock on wood.

[sammyseaman]

To quote rifle, I tell it like I see it ;-}

And that's why we love ya, Bomber  

[jay547]

I'll also flash my high beams every now and then just for good measure.

be careful where you do that. here a flash of the high beam means, "go ahead, you have the right of way."

[cbsnbiker]

be careful where you do that. here a flash of the high beam means, "go ahead, you have the right of way."

Plus it's illegal in Washington State.  

(That happens to be the only one of the lower 48 in which I've never ridden a motorcycle or even driven a car.)

[ConPilot1]

I'm Hi-Viz road rat also. It isn't the be-all-end-all of motorcycle safety, but I believe it does stack the odds a bit in your favor.
I ride like I'm wearing black however. I have noticed less of a tendency for cagers to pull out and do somethings stupid, and I can
see that they notice me more when I'm wearing my sexy Euro black leathers.

+1 on the eye contact thing. If there's a situation where I'm having an interaction with a cager at an intersection or whatever, I give a direct look
and an indicator to go ahead, or a nod if they're waving me on. That said, I usually don't proceed until I feel it's safe whether they are waving me on or not.

I will be the one to determine when the bike moves, not some cager at a 4 way stop sign intersection, which is the worst situation for me.

[SVTNate]

In heavy traffic I'll put the headlamp on low and use the "flash to pass" on my Speed3 when splitting lanes.  People notice it.  Sometimes I see people throw up their hands like they're insulted that I'm flashing my brights, but that's rare.  And really, they noticed, so.... don't care.  I'm past that guy in half a second and won't see him again.