Emily Loizeau
Fais Battre Ton Tambour - in particular, this exemplary performance. Well, that, and a lot of ropey spectra.

Alt: Walk home in daylight.
(LongJohnBaldry, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 16:57, 1 reply, 15 years ago)

Cycling home in the dark is worse
It doesn't matter how many lights and reflecty things I have, I come within centimetres of being knocked over at least twice a week.
(berk, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:01, Reply)

The problem, it seems, is that cyclists are perpetually underpowered compared to motorists
Feeble little dynamo lights and a bell are all you have to make your presence known alongside increasingly behemoth cars*. Bicycle manufacturers take note: your customers will be a lot happier if the vehicle is illuminated by a 200W headlamp and equipped with a klaxon or air horn.

Edit: Or glow-in-the-dark paint on the bike frame...has anyone tried this?

*_{I assume gratuitous, unnecessary, fashion-symbol 4x4s are as prevalent in the West Midlands as they are in That London}
(LongJohnBaldry, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:05, Reply)

I have one of these
www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20105

It works.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:07, Reply)

Ahahaha
*PARP*
(berk, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:08, Reply)

Seriously, get it.
People can hear it in cars with their windows shut.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:22, Reply)

Now that is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about
Keep the bell for country lanes and towpaths, and have the air horn primed for main roads.

Actually, given how FUCKING DEAF most pedestrians seem to be these days, might as well keep the airhorn ready for both...
Edit: www.xkcd.com/757/ - seems appropriate
(LongJohnBaldry, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:08, Reply)

It's not just them
it's just people not looking. I wear a bright pink reflective jacket and have the best lights I could afford, I'm pretty sure people would see me if they just looked in their fucking wingmirrors occasionally...
(berk, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:09, Reply)

The very purpose of such mirrors, in fact
But how many motorists do you think actually use them properly since passing their driving test? (Not to excuse such behaviour, obviously, I just mean I wouldn't be surprised)
(LongJohnBaldry, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:13, Reply)

You're not alone
since the clocks went back, I've been nearly killed several times, and I have lights, reflective jacket (with more reflective stickers on it), reflective bits on my bag and a light on my hat.

Still have problems.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 18 Nov 2010, 17:23, Reply)