It's Cool to be Seen
ed clancy
Rider Safety Visibility – It’s Cool (and Effective) to be Seen!
Bicycle helmets were once considered ugly ornaments, resisted by cycling enthusiasts while only making initial inroads among professional riders or the select few. Today, communities and bicyclists alike have embraced helmets as the ultimate in “cool” — sporting attractive, vibrant colors, functional and even space-age designs, while featuring the latest in all-around safety technology. The next phase in safety is occurring now with Rider Safety Visibility (RSV) Initiatives — the next generation of bicyclists are increasing cycling safety by riding with state-of-the-art front and rear lights (both night and day!), LED integrated helmets (some even with turn signals), reflective clothing, bags, frame graphics, and even fluorescent biomechanical accents either worn or added to clothing, accessories and bicycle frames and tires. RSV is becoming synonymous with a cycling checklist of “bike, helmet, and lights”
Much of the available safety gear has been around for just as long as helmets but disregarded in its full potential until the present day of ever-growing distracted driving, and by advances in technology. An overall fear for road cycling is increasing and evident with reports showing that 47 percent of cycling accidents happen during the day — the same as happen at night! In an adverse effect off-road cycling has seen market share growth.
Nonetheless, as a parent and a cyclist it’s important to take an increased interest to work with civic & community leaders, bicycle/pedestrian advocacies, non-governmental agencies for greater emphasis on changing what is acceptable in actions to increase all cyclists’ safety. Some basic concepts for increasing respect between cyclists and motorist come by way of low-cost high-impact actions for example: investing in front and rear lights, friendly hand gestures; stand, shift, sway to garner attention – simple means help increase visibility for all riding levels.
The RSV initiative takes action to sponsor local cycling clubs, ambassador programs, and a high profile professional cycling team creating a dynamic sandwich approach to activate influencers who live, love and engage opportunities to transmit a broader message — It’s cool (and effective) to be seen!
RIDER SAFETY VISIBILITY is a call to action for greater standards in cycling safety. www.RiderSafetyVisibility.com
EBCylingLaw.com is provided by Estey & Bomberger LLP, a personal injury law firm.