Riding like a Flapper

 

A few years ago my friend Pete quized me about what was the most effective article of clothing to have in hi-viz colors. Thinking like an ex racer who leans low over the bike, obscuring the back, I guessed shorts, but my thoughts were too lofty, hard as that concept is to imagine. A study that tested people's reaction time found the most visible location for bright colors is the socks. They're moving up and down, and just like a flashing light is more visible than a steady one, change in the form of motion draws attention.

I'm quite psyched about 

the multiple pairs of socks I found 

in a roadside free pile early this month.

One of my physical therapists 

even gave them props!

In addition to a lot less sweating, and possibly seeming slightly less ridiculous for wearing longjohns all the time, I've been appreciating the cooler morning temperatures that have often had me leave the house in a windbreaker or vest, both of which I now have in hi-viz yellow. A little nip in the air can be nice for its own sake, but I'm also especially appreciating that, by mid morning, I've unzipped and am letting the loose tails flap in the wind, which I hope makes me that extra bit visible to cars on the road. See all fashions come around again eventually. It just took me a hundred years to aspire to being seen as a flapper!

No!

I didn't film this video on the road.

That would rather defeat any safety advantage.