Be Seen, Be Safe
Hello and welcome to Alex's Blog.
As the nights are drawing in and daylight is getting more scarce, it's time to think about ways to be seen more easily on your bike. You should think about this all year round but it's especially important at this time of year.
The human eye can see approximately 7 million colours but we all know that doesn't necessarily mean drivers will see bikers even in daylight! So, we need to give them some help. Some colours and combinations are more ‘irritating' to the eye and therefore more visible.
Scientifically, colours are reflections of different wavelengths of light, more light is reflected by bright colours and human eyes are most sensitive to a wavelength of 555 nanometers – a bright fluorescent yellow-green.
This 'irritating' colour coupled with the fact that a high visual contrast such as black and yellow (think number plates or wasps) gets more attention and you can see why this colour combination is used in so much protective equipment.
Luckily, we have a LOT of different options for you. a lot of our customers want black and black only but you can always add temporary hits of colour such as a Hi-Viz vest that you can easily remove plus we sell Hi-Viz reflective stuff to keep under the seat for when you need it. Its lightweight, easy to carry about and could just save your life!
We have your lightweight Hi-Viz accessories such as the Oxford Bright Bands which can be used very quickly and easily and taken off very quickly and easily too - but they just add a bit of extra visibility to your outfit.
There are also more Hi-Viz clothing options available which are more of a happy medium, more commitment to the high visibility cause than a few bands but still not a full outfit such as the Frank Thomas VIZ017 HD Vest which is equally as lightweight and easy to transport but gives a lot more visibility. Vests are also compulsory on French roads. (for good reason!)
Most motorcycle clothing has reflective strips and panels on it for added visibility but some clothing is REALLY visible.
The iXS Starlight Jacket is reduced to £169.99. This features a Hi-Viz main body with reflective parts as well.
The iXS Orca rain suit is also a Hi-Viz piece of clothing and is designed to keep you extra visible in wet weather - which, let's face it - is hardly the safest of conditions so it is definitely a worthwhile investment.
However, it's not just clothing that is available! We have Hi-Viz helmets available too! Your head is your most visible part after your torso – we have headlight reflective stickers in the stores – but be warned once they are on they don't come off!
The Shark Skwal Dual helmet actually has LED lights on the helmet that you can turn on and off when you please. This is ideal for people who don't want Hi-Viz all the time so can choose when it is convenient for them.
Although some of you may be less muted and may like Hi-Viz on a helmet! Have a look at these beauties: The Caberg Duke Helmet, The AGV K3 Rossi Brazil 2001 Helmet, HJC IS-Max 2 Helmet.
White helmets are also just as effective: Arai RX-7V Diamond helmet, Shoei X-Spirit 3 Helmet.
You may not even think about gloves but they are another good way to keep yourself visible: RST Storm 1717 WP Gloves, Frank Thomas Striker 26-16 Gloves, Frank Thomas VIZ016 Claw Gloves, Pro Biker PRX-12 Gloves.
Plus, if you pop in store to any of our stores we can get Auxiliary Driving Lights for you to fit to your bike.
Speaking of our stores, some of our stores took part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan. Well done to all that took part and thanks to all of our customers who donated and also partook in some lovely cake!
Until next time, stay safe,
Alex
