The psychological wobble!

[mike killay]

Yesterday, I had to ride down a one way street with cars parked both sides, (Google Earth, Western Street, Swansea)
A number of cars passed me at about 30mph+ and it was quite worrying.
When I heard the next one approaching, I deliberately put in a couple of wobbles. The car slowed right down and carefully passed me.
I then did this every time something came up astern and was gratified to hear them slow right down.
I think that the reason is that if you are riding steadily, they pay little attention and sweep past. If on the other hand, you are wobbling about a bit
a They notice you
b They fear for their paint work.

 

[Jimod]

I've noticed that during the warm Summer months if I unzip my hi viz top and let it flap free in the wind, no car passes me close. When it's zipped up cars seem to pass me much closer and a few pass me way too close. So close one actually skiffed me as it passed me on an empty road last Tuesday.

 

[Gubbins]

What an interesting observation.

 

[Jimod]

I think it might be the flapping bright yellow jacket which attracts their attention subconsciously

 

[Gubbins]

Look at it from their point of view. Is it actually illegal to knock you off your bike? After all, they pay Road tax!!

 

[Gubbins]

I've noticed that during the warm Summer months if I unzip my hi viz top and let it flap free in the wind, no car passes me close. When it's zipped up cars seem to pass me much closer and a few pass me way too close. So close one actually skiffed me as it passed me on an empty road last Tuesday.

This might be a good tactic at those silly chicanes that are springing up everywhere, they call it traffic calming, but they do is wind me up..

 

[flecc]

Some will be aware of this Highway Code rule and recognise wobbling in that manner:

213
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

 

[neptune]

Can anyone remember seeing those reflectors on a red plastic arm that stuck out a couple of feet from your rear hub? I never used one, but saw one or two.They never seemed to catch on. Its a pity because I thought they were a good idea. The arm was flexible, so if hit by a vehicle, it would flex rather than knocking you off the bike. Perhaps they would work better with a flashing light on the end, and/or a high viz flag flapping about?

 

[amigafan2003]

Someone on ES rigged up an arm like that Neptune - on the end was a can of black spray paint that activated if a car "clipped" it

 

[Artstu]

Not sure how flexible this one is http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-bike-safety-arm-Lollipop-flag-red-reflector-handlebar-cycle-road-spacer-/130813552460?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item1e7518674c

 

[SRS]

Can anyone remember seeing those reflectors on a red plastic arm that stuck out a couple of feet from your rear hub? I never used one, but saw one or two.They never seemed to catch on. Its a pity because I thought they were a good idea. The arm was flexible, so if hit by a vehicle, it would flex rather than knocking you off the bike. Perhaps they would work better with a flashing light on the end, and/or a high viz flag flapping about?

I remember these well. Foldable as I recall. There used to be an old boy In Brighton that had made his own version.
A rather nasty open fire toasting fork. I guess he liked a bit of clearance room from passing vehicles.

 

[SRS]

I deliberately put in a couple of wobbles.

I have been doing this for decades, also slightly swerving around drain covers has the same effect.

Invaluable safety aid, just be sure you know exactly what traffic is coming up behind you before you do it. Not a good idea with a 40 tonner bearing down on you.

 

[Geebee]

Expensive high tech version.
http://www.bikealive.co.nz/

 

[MikeyBikey]

I remember these well. Foldable as I recall. There used to be an old boy In Brighton that had made his own version.
A rather nasty open fire toasting fork. I guess he liked a bit of clearance room from passing vehicles.

Yep, the psychological effect of seeing what looks like metal sticking out gives you room
Wouldn't even have to be real metal, just some chrome plated flexible plastic that folds down after.
A Metallic looking cloth shape, that inflated with the wind, wouldn't even require folding. But the flapping might give the game away?
Didn't those plastic arms have a nickname that made them unpopular?

 

[Tim]

Wobble and wear a blonde wig and you might have the road to yourself

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/want-to-be-bike-safe-don-a-wig-not-a-lid/01171

 

[Jimod]

Wobble and wear a blonde wig and you might have the road to yourself

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/want-to-be-bike-safe-don-a-wig-not-a-lid/01171

I'm thinking he just likes dressing up.

 

[OldBob1]

Nurse wheres my blonde wig.

 

[jackhandy]

Nurse wheres my blonde wig.

In the bedside cabinet, with the dried frog pills.