Those who wear "Polite" notice hi viz - driver behaviour

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Apercrumbie

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https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/21/bike-helmet-cyclists-safe-urban-warfare-wheels


This article is about cycling so feel free to ignore most of it. However, do read the last few paragraphs where they examine driver behaviour based on what the cyclist is wearing. They noted that when the cyclist wore the hi viz jacket with "Polite" on it (ie. the ones that imitate Police jackets) "Most alarming still, some seemed to treat the mild attempt at deception of “polite” as a reason to almost punish the cyclist."

It is an interesting article but I thought that this should be pointed out so people can make an informed decision. Absolutely not bashing those who wear these, I just know that I would want to know.

It is also interesting to read the cycling take on helmets and hi viz - it seems a no-brainer to me everytime I hack, but I understand the argument that in the case of cyclists, it can encourage risk taking as you feel safer.
 
An interesting read. I don't have one of the "Polite" hi viz things but do wear a lot of hi viz when I'm on the roads (not that often these days, thankfully!). I go for the yellow variety, which looks fab on my yellow dun highland (NOT!!) but at least his huge rear end covered in day glow yellow seems to have the desired affect of making drivers give us a wide berth.
 
I have a big problem with the "Polite" ones which means I'll never be able to buy one....They're grammatically incorrect! I cringe every time I see one.....Yes I know I'm sad.
 
Yay - Pedants Unite!

The "Polite" range were quite effective when they started and drivers hadn't seen them before. But they are now so common - and in children's sizes - that they could never be mistaken for a police tabard and so yes - some drivers to seem to take that as an excuse to behave worse.

Tabards indicating the rider is wearing a camera are more effective IME
 
I agree - the 'Polite' hi-viz have had there day. We need better designed ones with the 'Please Pass Wide & Slow' slogan better positioned. Or (OMG - I've turned into my parents!)... we need people to ride to schools on 'show and tell days' / 'appreciation days' and explain to kids, that horses can get frightened for X, Y, Z, reasons. Give examples, reasons... and tell kids, how happy it makes horses when drivers slow down and people gently wave and smile at them. This makes the horse have a nicer day.

If we can teach the younger generation, then maybe they will 'shame' the parents / family members into slowing down ?

Also - for those living in villages, where you may have 'on-line' discussion boards... maybe instead of posting negatives, post positive discussions, on how the Bin Men are so thoughtful?

I always do my best to thank all on the road, 'hola' morning to the dog walkers, to the gardener with no head .... and I have even thanked those that sort of slowed down, but didn't quite find the break peddle....

when you cant take your hands of the reins (my were 'bridged' last Sunday - it was so windy)... ALWAYS shout Thank you, Smile, nod and ensure you have acknowledged people / other road users.
 
I wear one, and have had multiple comments to say we thought you were a police officer over the years I've been wearing it. If anything, I would say it has had a positive effect on drivers behavior, rather than negative.
 
I wear one and find it effective. SIL of people up the road asked another friend if we trained police horses at our place :)

Yup, 13.2 and 14.2 coloured ones :)
 
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