Non-motoring > How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Chris S Replies: 13
View Threaded 

New Wed 16 Nov 11 19:27 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Chris S
There was a motorcyclist behind me on my way home tonight.

Every time I braked the reflective stripes on his hi-viz vest turned a bright pink colour. The chrome handlebars and forks on his bike were hardly visible, even though they'd have been much more reflective.

Does anybody know why?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Wed 16 Nov 11 19:39 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Bromptonaut
Retro reflective strips contain tiny prisms that bounce the light back.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 03:45 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Iffy
Dunno, but I wish more cyclists would use them.

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 09:10 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Zero
Cyclists dont need reflective strips to bounce.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 09:21 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Slidingpillar
Regrettably true.

I was on a roundabout in the dark - legally lit and wearing a high visibility vest and a car saw me (or driver looked through me) and decided it had time to enter the roundabout ahead of me, cross my path and go. It didn't, and I was knocked off.

Car driver of course didn't stop so now I just vandalise any red VW polo I see... (not really, but it's tempting!)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 10:15 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Dutchie
I use the high vis jackett on my regular 1 hr bicycle trip.Up to now the majority of motorist have been fine they give me plenty of room up to now.Touch wood.!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 10:19 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Iffy
...Up to now the majority of motorist have been fine they give me plenty of room up to now...

What you don't know is the number of motorists who would have hit you had you not been wearing it.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 10:31 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Dutchie
That is why I'm wearing the vest Iffy.Also good set of lights and I am aware of traffic around me.I started cycling as a six year old before the cycle paths in Dutch towns where the norm.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 10:25 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - VxFan
>> Retro reflective strips contain tiny prisms that bounce the light back.

www.brightkidz.co.uk/being-bright/how-hi-vis-works.html
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 10:53 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Cliff Pope
Some road signs appear so bright that they actually dazzle - why is that?

One particular sign I pass on the way to work only advises of cows crossing the road. Yet even from the glancing light from my dipped headlights it stands out like a beacon from about 200 yards. The beams aren't even pointing at it.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 17 Nov 11 11:12 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Dutchie
Good job it stands out the sign I mean.I wouldn't like to hit a cow with a car.The Frisians are big cows.Reminds me as a lad in our village got chased by a Bull in a field I was quick to shift...:)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 19 Nov 11 11:35 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - R.P.
Cripes - Just seen a horse wearing one ! Does it work for the Council or something ?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 19 Nov 11 17:06 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - Runfer D'Hills
Did it have a clop-board?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 19 Nov 11 17:14 
 How do reflective stripes on hi-viz vests work? - R.P.
:-)

It had a long face though !
Reply to this message | Report message
       
Latest Forum Posts