Safety and Education Committee Report
Clowns Need Their Costumes
Clothing is for environmental protection and social acceptability. “Form follows Function”. Oftentimes comfort (and safety) is compromised in order to fit in. Some motorcyclists wear bandanas (doo rags) or “chamber pots” on their heads along with tattered denim vests and other various garb. These motorcyclists also make a lot of needless noise while on parade. A racer’s jersey is a billboard for his sponsors, and fans often wear their colors in order to show support. I just want to be noticed and treated with respect; Hi-Viz clothing seems to help.
Bullies prey upon the timid and the weak; bicycles are the most vulnerable vehicles on the roadway and will always be targeted. In the 60’s I had a Hi-Viz orange jersey that subjected me to ridicule and abuse. My first helmet (in the 80’s) was also made fun of. In those times; only the overcautious used PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) but laws requiring workers to wear Hi-Viz clothing has changed its image. Things have come full circle and those without helmets or trying to go unnoticed are now the prime targets.
I’m a veteran of the “Commuter Wars” and have been called a Road Warrior with my PPE described as Battle Gear. I view it simply as something that tells others where I am. With my Hi-Viz clothing (or reflective vest) a motorist that collides with me will have a hard time explaining why I wasn’t seen and I’m given a lot more room. Riding alone (especially after dark) increases one’s risk for harassment. I have “awesome” lights and the more visible I am the fewer problems I seem to have. I’m not sure if it’s because I am earning their respect or if they think I’m just a little unwell. I really don’t care what people think as long as I get where I’m going without incident. On numerous occasions I’ve had motorists thank me for being so easily seen and whenever it occurs I know I’ve made a friend.
Polyester clothing (wick-tec, fleece, etc) is more comfortable (and durable) than cotton. My Hi-Viz clothing must retain its brightness for 40 washings to meet ANSI specs and the usable life of a cotton garment is only 25 (most promotional T-shirts are discarded after less than 3). It takes the same amount of energy (oil) for cotton and polyester garments (which last much longer) to reach the final consumer. Cotton workers are paid poorly with little oversight while polyester is made under controlled conditions with better pay. 25% of all pesticide usage is devoted to growing cotton which depletes the soil and competes with food for land and water. The Aral Sea became a desert when the surrounding crop of winter wheat was replaced by cotton. I avoid wearing cotton (cloth of the dead) primarily for comfort but saving money and protecting the environment are also considered.
Our actions and the clothing that we chose send a message. I’m doing my part to protect the environment and improve safety. What is the message that you are conveying?
REMINDER: BE SEEN!
Make sure to wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip, during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Safety and Education Coordinator
Archive Safety Articles
Which Foot Down?
Preparing For Rain
Stopping in the Roadway
Encountering Animals
Why I Commute by Bike
Save Time Commuting by Bike
Your Bike and Knee
You Can be Too Far Right
Wrong Way Cyclists
Choosing the Right Tire
Don't Scare the Slow Guy
Using Your Front Brake
How Safe is Bicycling?
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Making Left Turns
Where on the Road Do You Belong?
Rumble strips on the Shoulder
Safer Without Helmet?
Impaired Drivers
Take Your Body to its Limits
HB-1203
Protecting your Bike
Helmet Mounted Headlights
Tire Pressure
My Helmet is White
Does Your Bike Have Lights?
Be Careful Who You Trust
Law Enforcement
See and be Seen
Thanks Ray LaHood
Beware the Silent Car
Problems Grow
Bike Stat
Bikes on Sidewalk
Impaired Drivers - continued