What can riders do to be more visible during the day or at night?

Answer 1

headlight modulator accessory paints a bike at very long range in extremely bright sun in heavy traffic. much better than a bike runnin high beams. adding some reflective tape to the jacket and/or helmet can make it easier for cagers to see u at night...cheep too, its in wal-mart.

never assume a cage can see u...we're notoriously hard to spot.

Answer 2

- Turn Signals: Obviously, turn signals are very important in communicating your intentions to other motorists while on a motorcycle or any other vehicle. It is important to remember to cancel your turn signal after making the move to avoid confusing other drivers.

- Headlight: Motorcycles made for sale in the US will have a headlight that is lit whenever the motorcycle is running. Many motorcycle riders will go one step further and use their high beams during the day to make themselves that much more visible.

- Brake Light: If traffic and time allow, it can be a good idea to flash your brake light by tapping your brakes before decelerating. Since motorcycles weigh so much less than other vehicles they can usually stop quicker too. Warning motorists that you are preparing to decelerate in advance will give them time to slow as well.

- Clothing: Bright colored motorcycle riding gear will help catch the attention of other drivers. Flashy helmet designs make more than a fashion statement and can also help a motorcycle rider stay visible. Most motorcycle riding gear comes with reflective strips but adding reflective tape to clothing, helmets and the motorcycle itself will help increase visibility.

Answer 3

Wear something reflective instead of the matte black gear. Not necessarily a yellow vest, but most street clothing has reflective piping/patches on it.

Move around in your lane so other drivers see motion instead of a mysteriously invisible lane that they'll turn into. Flash your brights at cars in the opposite turn lane to get their attention.

Don't sit in blind spots; if you can't see their face in their side mirrors, they can't see you (not that it's any indication that they'll look anyway).

Look ahead and judge the flow of traffic every second so you can swerve, brake or avoid something long before the cagers know what's going on. Act like a car and you'll be seen as a car; act like a gnat on the freeway and you'll end up on a windshield.

Follow the traffic rules when necessary, and don't go flying through heavy traffic because you're in a hurry. Cagers cannot judge your speed, especially if you're doing 80 in a 45, and will pull right out in front of you.

As always, no matter who is at fault, the rider LOSES. It's up to you to keep yourself alive and keep the "Motorcycles are dangerous!" people from whining.

Answer 4

Instead of black leather, my motorcycle jacket is bright yellow cordura nylon, with several reflective strips sewn into the seams. I also have reflective tape strips on my helmet, and on the back of the bike for riding at night.

Of course, the best thing to do is ride defensively... Always have the attitude that the idiot in the cage, who is arguing with his girlfriend on the cell phone while eating a hamburger and reading a road-map is not going to see you even if you were riding an elephant and leading a parade of dancing bears down the middle of the street.

Always expect the other guy to do the absolutely worst thing possible, and be prepared to take evasive action. That way, you won't be surprised when he makes a left turn in front of you, or changes lanes right into your space on the highway...

Answer 5

A bright orange reflective vest makes you more visible when riding, but most people won't wear it because it doesn't look "cool" enough for them.
A white colored helmet is also a good attention getter, as is of course having your headlight on day and night. Defensive riding is critical though, pretend you are invisible to other drivers and you will make decisions that increase your safety accordingly.
No matter what you do, there is always the person who is looking down at their cellphone or whatever that you have to watch out for. That is where defensive riding skills are important.
Always scan your rearview mirrors when you slow or stop. I failed to follow this advice Sept. 9, 1993 and got hit from behind and broke all the long bones in my left arm and messed up my neck and back. A girl was on her way to school, and never slowed down before she hit me when I was slowing for a redlight.
Be careful, ride alert. Don't do as I did, it hurts too bad!

Answer 6

During night...many prefers to put some florocent material or dress or cap ,on them..so that they can become more visible. And also now a days riders prefer to wear helmets having back light.

Answer 7

In the military we were required to wear reflective vest or belt. If you bike is capable get the headlight flasher accessory installed, during the day it flashes your headlight from 60% to 100% strength, I notice those bikes at a further distance then a normal headlight, and using spinning tail lights also draws more attention. Even with the most reflective, brightest colors and loudest pipes many people still refuse to see bikers, be sure to keep your eyes open all around you.

Answer 8

Reflective tape is great for night riding. And if you have a yellow or lime green bike, it's more noticeable. Same with clothing/helmet...bright colours like fluorescent green and yellow show up well.

Running lights or headlamps spaced as far apart as possible will assist too, because it will increase the apparent size/closeness of your bike to other motorists.

Answer 9

Always try and wear something white, it doesn't have to be a jacket, maybe your helmet. Use your lights in the day also, i have fitted the blue/white light bulbs to my motorcycle as they are more receptive to the human eye. And if you're a motorcycle try to ride 1ft from the centre of the road in your lane as this makes you more visible. Be safe.

Answer 10

A good combination of all the clothing tips listed above is great.

Defensive driving is probably the biggest life saver. Stay away from cars. Always assume they don't see you.

Don't drive faster than traffic...otherwise you're begging someone to change lanes right into you.