Normally when I ride in the dark it is after eight. There is minimal activity and there isn't much to go bump in the night but I watch for deer, critters and pot holes. The problem when Daylight Saving Time ends is that it isn't late, people aren't at home finishing dinner, doing the dishes or watching a movie. They are headed home from work, running errands and following their normal routine. I too was following my normal routine and this is when I was at my most vulnerable. I did everything I always have, I rode home along the same route, traveling at the same time I do everyday, only this time it was dark.
My route just skirts me around OSU campus, where I am diligent to watch for students wearing their team colors of black, black and more black.
Their other team color is orange, which is much more visible but not nearly as fashionable. Why a university in wet, rainy Oregon wouldn't promote orange over black as a team color beats me. UofO just south of us in Eugene seems to have the same problem with their team colors of green and yellow.
I can make myself as visible as possible and this works great for others to see me but does absolutely nothing if I can't see you.
Once I get past campus the streetlights become fewer, the sidewalk ends and the road narrows. I make a right onto a two lane road flanked on both sides by ivy covered hillsides. Slowing to 25 mph I climb a small hill, crest then ride down the other side. The road was never intended for the amount of traffic it sees, but aren't most city streets like that? It is a little beat up but it bypasses two traffic lights and a whole mess of gnarly traffic. Tbolt can attest.
Monday evening was an uneventful commute until I started ascending the rise, moving to the right to avoid the ruts on the left. Then to my surprise I came upon a young lady in dark clothing nearly scrambling up the bank with what may or may not have been a baby strapped on her back. It happened that fast. I did not see her until my headlight beamed in her startled face. She obviously saw me, but had she been in the roadway with nowhere to go, it would have been too late.
I nearly turned around and gave her a flashlight I carry in my top case, but thought better of it. The last thing I need is to be maced, tazed, arrested and thrown in jail for stalking a young lady in the dark rain.
Maybe this little encounter has made her aware of her attire, maybe she will dress in lighter, reflective clothing next time, but then again maybe I am simply dreaming. I can't hand out flashlights to every pedestrian, cyclist and skateboarder I see (or don't see). Maybe I can do my part by scaring the living daylights out of a person or two hoping not to hit them. I have worn my hi-vis vest out on evening walks, I always carry a flashlight and I wear bright reflective gear when I ride. I protect myself by being visible and I guess the best I can do is lead by example.
Let's be safe out there and lighten up.
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A very timely reminded as you enter the northern winter.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture of the person blending into the wall....
ReplyDeleteI am one of those opposed to the whole idea of daylight savings time. It seems to be a waste of effort with absolutely no real energy benefit.
Richard
Good post, and I'm glad no one was hurt. My daughter is down from Beaverton, and we had a similar discussion tonight about pedestrians and dark colors. She has a commute home in the dark along neighborhood streets with no lights and no sidewalks, but people walking in the street! Fun times.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, my commute gets me home shortly after sunset, so generally there is still some light left.
Excellent post - night riding is full of hazards. For the life of me, I don't know why motorcycle manufacturers don't fit better quality bulbs as standard. The standard Street Triple headlamps are very poor so I fitted Osram Nightbreaker bulbs earlier this year. Same wattage as the OEM bulbs, but the improvement in vision is amazing. A real safety improvement for very little expense.
ReplyDeletePedestrians have been the source of nearly all my close calls. One stepped out in front of me last year right before the time changed. It was still dark in the morning. The surface was wet. I may have grabbed the brake, or perhaps I hit an oily patch. Whatever the cause I and the bike ended up down. Luckily I missed her and neither myself or the bike was hurt.
ReplyDeleteThere is much discussion on blogs about drivers texting or talking on the cell phone while driving. Walkers are doing it too. I'm glad your experience turned into the impetus to write a most excellent post. Glad it had such a positive outcome.
And, +1 to Geoff's observation about the poor quality of OEM headlights. Improving my lighting is next on my things to do on the Symba.
~Keith
I agree, this is a timely post. While driving the other night in the rain I was thinking about how much my vision is reduced by the windshield wipers not covering all the way to the A pillar. I guess I've always taken this for granted and not given it much thought. But as a rider I try to see things differently. And as you said, there are more people out driving in the early darkness which adds to the mix. It's really important to "see and be seen."
ReplyDeleteNice post! Thank you!
Dark and rainy is nerve wracking either way. For some weird reason we still ride.
ReplyDelete