Newbie question: while reading through several motorcycle publications (state operator's manual, Idiot's Guide, etc.) a recurring theme in accidents is that the 4-wheel participant claims not to have seen the rider. So, what, if anything, do you guys/gals do to make yourself easier to see?

Thanks.

oldrookie

 

You have to assume that no one can/will see you and ride accordingly. Other than that I have heard that a light or white colored helmet will help get you seen.

 

Fact is, Ronnie is right on. I had an old Anaheim PD Motor Officer tell me when I first started riding in 1962, "Ride like they can't see you, 'cause they can't, even if you make eye contact, they are not seeing you." He knew from hard experience. He was rolling Code 3 back in the day when the PD used real sirens. As he approached an intersection, he slowed <breaking the intersection>, and still had a motorist turn left right in front of him. Broken arm, leg and hip. The motor a total loss.

Be carefull out there, it's a jungle.......

 

Some people use a pulsing headlight, but check in your area to see if it is legal. Mostly, I agree with what has been said above: Ride like nobody in a cage sees you. Oh, and take the Begining Motorcyclist Riding Course.

 

Those cagers are ut to kill you, Bro...they really are! Ride with brights on, in slow traffic do a little weaving IN your lane to shine some light on the cagers, check that oncoming left turn lane and proceed with real caution (and always, always keep the lane to your right clear so you can duck into it), don't stay anywhere alongside a cage...pass it or fall behind it (and make your light shine in his mirror!)

Loud pipes? Maybe, but most cagers have the AC and stereo on or are on a dman cell phone and really don;t hear you anway.

You can wear flourescent orange vests, and reflective stuff...I don't and don't care for it.

You are invisible...so be obnoxious!

 

I've installed passing lamps on both my bike and my wife's bike. I feel like they make you more visible. To me, the most important technique is lane position. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to on coming traffic, traffic entering from side streets, and traffic coming around corners. Finally, try to picture the most boneheaded stunt a driver can do and he'll probably do it, but at least you'll be prepared.

My wife and I ride quite a bit and she normally leads. When we are on two lane roads, rather than taking the third portion of the lane closest to the center line as most safety manuals instruct, she rides in the third closest to the shoulder. The reason is, if there is a car behind one coming our way and decides to pass she is visible sooner nearer the outside of our lane. Hope that made sense. The point being, lane position is the most important technique.

 

How about wear neon pink!

 

I'm a new Harley Owner and I have been stressing about the same issues.
It's hard enough to find a good DOT lid without just restricting the color scheme to white.

-- Here is what I do and plan to do in the future.
1) Don't be afraid to crack those pipes.. Let everyone around you know your there !!! If they close there window while driving along side you, your doing a good job.
2) If your going to buy a leather jacket, try to find something with a white or reflective strip in it.


Especially for night riding..

3) If you opt not to get a white helmet, try to find a reflective sticker or paint stripe for your helmet.
4) Get a pulsating front light and LED rear light.
5) of course, no matter what, assume that cagers can't see you at all. Drive accordingly.

6) If all else fails and you feel people still can't see you, find a biker gal who will mount your scoot as a passenger and drive around town with her topless. You'd be amazed how well a set of knockers draws the attention from cagers

 

I ride naked. Seems to keep everyone away from me.

 

Each situation is different. The key in my opinion is to minimize your risk through spacing and optimum sight lines. For instance, when approaching an intersection in a multi-lane street with left turn lanes, it is easy to disappear behind the line of cars lined up to turn left next to you if you are in the left through lane. If you can't see the cage that is creeping out to see if he can go, he can't see you either. By riding in one of the further right lanes you increase the angle and line of sight to the car turning left in front of you, and by flashing your lights, you increase the likelihood of being seen. You don't eliminate the risk, you just help to reduce it.
Another thing I like to do is use a cage as a blocker when approaching an intersection. By riding alongside(not in the blindspot) or just behind a cage, you can put them between you and the potential turning hazard whether it is from the right or left and if someone else gets hit well that's better than me getting hit.
In short, use any lane and any part of your lane to maximize sight lines, flash your lights(even if it pisses people off), use cars for blockers, and maintain good spacing.

Steve