High-vis evangelism to enter peak season following this weekend's clock change

We know it's counter-intuitive to make a case against day-glow tops for cyclists, but there's a reason criminals sometimes wear high vis to rob banks; fluorescent clothing's a perfect way to disappear.

Countries committed to Vision Zero design safe systems rather than teach road safety for a reason.

Things might be different if high-vis clothing could be proved to work. However, when professor of environmental psychology at Swansea University, Dr Ian Walker, monitored cars as they overtook cyclists wearing a variety of clothing, all outfits in the study (except the one with the word 'police') were treated exactly the same.

Of course wear high-vis clothing if you like - just be aware of how extolling its virtues can be pernicious. After all, if we're not a society that tells women to dress modestly to avoid being attacked on the street, we must also avoid victim blaming vulnerable road users.

What is a hierarchy of controls and what's it got to do with high-vis?

Industry relies on a hierarchy of hazard controls to keep workers safe; an approach that could be applied to our roads. Effective control methods are at the top. High-vis comes in last.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. We continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

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