Are high-vis jerseys and arm bands a futile effort in keeping cyclists safe in the dark, distracting from more effective measures such as adequate road lighting and infrastructure improvement? Do we really think slapping on a reflective vest is going to magically protect us from inattentive drivers, rather than actually addressing the underlying issues of poor road design and lack of cyclist-friendly infrastructure?
Why are we relying on the visibility solution when the real problem lies in the failure of urban planners to provide safe and dedicated bike lanes? Its like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound - were treating the symptoms rather than the cause. Shouldnt we be advocating for better street lighting and more bike-friendly roads instead of telling cyclists to dress up like human speed bumps?
Isnt it time we shifted the responsibility from the cyclist to the driver and the urban planners? By placing the onus on cyclists to be visible, arent we perpetuating a culture of blame and victim-shaming? What do you think - are high-vis gear and other visibility solutions just a cop-out, or are they an essential part of staying safe on the roads at night?