I'm talking about those little flourescent/reflective sticks that people mount on their bicycles to try and get cars to give them more room while overtaking. Has anyone tried them? Do they actually work?
I ask because I was hit by a car wing mirror on friday. No damage was done to car, bike or cyclist, but I would like to avoid similar incidents, as, although this is the first time an overtaking car has actually hit me, it's not the first time a driver has thought it a good idea to overtake with about half an inch to spare. However, I don't want to buy a product that makes me look stupid if it doesn't even work.
So, thoughts?
Are spacers any good?
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Stuart
Re:Are spacers any good?
According to a survey done in London recently the best thing is to wear a blonde wig and no cycling safety clothes at all because if you appear female and do not look like you know what you are doing they will give a wider berth. you could of course ride illegally on the pavement.
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thorny
Re:Are spacers any good?
According to a survey done in London recently the best thing is to wear a blonde wig and no cycling safety clothes at all because if you appear female and do not look like you know what you are doing they will give a wider berth.
Well, I am female, but not blonde. Humm... perhaps this is where the problem lies.
See my post on flashing lights on"Bikes&bits"
Looks like a good plan for after dark, but what about during daylight hours?
Well, I am female, but not blonde. Humm... perhaps this is where the problem lies.
See my post on flashing lights on"Bikes&bits"
Looks like a good plan for after dark, but what about during daylight hours?
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thirdcrank
Re:Are spacers any good?
thorny
You do occasionally see these in use by utility cyclists in places like York. I should have thought that a 'cyclist' would be about as likely to use one as stabilisers.
(And if that does not provoke a reply from a satisfied user you can take it there aren't any on here.)
You do occasionally see these in use by utility cyclists in places like York. I should have thought that a 'cyclist' would be about as likely to use one as stabilisers.
(And if that does not provoke a reply from a satisfied user you can take it there aren't any on here.)
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dai
Re:Are spacers any good?
How long's this thread been going - only just noticed it. The answer is simply - NO.
You gain more room by just commanding the space you're in. Make yourself look big and wear bright colours.
You gain more room by just commanding the space you're in. Make yourself look big and wear bright colours.
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horizon
Re:Are spacers any good?
Well everyone, here comes a very satisfied user-to-be.
As you will see from my reply to Lofty Geezer about flags, I not only intend to get a spacer but it will be a horizontal flag complete with LED. Since the US ones are quite pricey I am now in the process of making one of my own.
This isn't for cycling in town but on the open road. I want that clearance from passing cars. I am reckoning on a 12" projection taking it about 6" past the pannier, about the same projection as a car wing mirror.
If you don't hear from me for some time it will be because either it hasn't worked as hoped or because of the Telford effect.
As you will see from my reply to Lofty Geezer about flags, I not only intend to get a spacer but it will be a horizontal flag complete with LED. Since the US ones are quite pricey I am now in the process of making one of my own.
This isn't for cycling in town but on the open road. I want that clearance from passing cars. I am reckoning on a 12" projection taking it about 6" past the pannier, about the same projection as a car wing mirror.
If you don't hear from me for some time it will be because either it hasn't worked as hoped or because of the Telford effect.
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horizon
Re:Are spacers any good?
In fact a 3' projection might just solve the whole problem and put cyclists back on the road.
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Chris Melbourne
Re:Are spacers any good?
I agree with reohn2. The best way to get a bit of sapce on the road is bright bold colours and a flashing light worn on the back/outside of the right elbow.
After being hit by a car's wing mirror a week ago I looked on this site to find ways to improve visibilty on the road.
So I bought a hi-viz vest and found a tiny litte key fob light for £4.99 at the local bike shop (inc. battery). It strobes, flashes, can be used on constant. I fitted this round my elbow with an old quick release peddle strap and swith it to stobe.
Tried it out today on mainly rural roads in Buckinghamshire in broad daylight.
Just could not believe the change!
Cars moving to the otherside of the road to overtake (at least 40%), waiting patiently behind to give ample room when overtaking. Was out for 5 hours and not one car, lorry, van or 4x4 passed closer than 1 metre away and most were much further.
Do not know if this will works on busy city streets but it certainly works in the sticks.
After being hit by a car's wing mirror a week ago I looked on this site to find ways to improve visibilty on the road.
So I bought a hi-viz vest and found a tiny litte key fob light for £4.99 at the local bike shop (inc. battery). It strobes, flashes, can be used on constant. I fitted this round my elbow with an old quick release peddle strap and swith it to stobe.
Tried it out today on mainly rural roads in Buckinghamshire in broad daylight.
Just could not believe the change!
Cars moving to the otherside of the road to overtake (at least 40%), waiting patiently behind to give ample room when overtaking. Was out for 5 hours and not one car, lorry, van or 4x4 passed closer than 1 metre away and most were much further.
Do not know if this will works on busy city streets but it certainly works in the sticks.
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reohn2
Re:Are spacers any good?
Thorny
sorry thought you meant lights,i think what your after are refered to as Lolipops I see the odd one about but i can't help on where to get one.
sorry thought you meant lights,i think what your after are refered to as Lolipops I see the odd one about but i can't help on where to get one.
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thirdcrank
Re:Are spacers any good?
horizon
Having seen the picture of the buggy with a horizontal flag (and being a regular buggy pusher myself) I think there may be scope for the Boadicea approach, rather than just a flag. Anyone know anywhere selling chariot wheel blades?
Having seen the picture of the buggy with a horizontal flag (and being a regular buggy pusher myself) I think there may be scope for the Boadicea approach, rather than just a flag. Anyone know anywhere selling chariot wheel blades?
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Mrs Tortoise
Re:Are spacers any good?
TC, I don't know about chariot wheel blades, I'm still trying to find out where James Bond gets his machine guns from, though recoil could prove a slight problem!
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dai
Re:Are spacers any good?
There's a recoil free gun on the market Mrs T. Bit expensive but if you go to the right pub in Merthyr .............
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nella
Re:Are spacers any good?
TC I wouldn't dream of making anything of buggy pusher. After all you can hardly say I'm a "Pushy *ugger".