Cyclists’ appearance fails to influence drivers

According to a study carried our by researchers at the University of Bath, common cyclist attire does little to no use in protecting them from the potential dangers of the road.

The study investigated the amount of space drivers left when overtaking a cyclist, depending on the level of experience and skill demonstrated by the cyclist's appearance.

The research consisted of testing five outfits, ranging from a stereotypical sport rider's outfit suggesting high experience and skill, to a vest with ‘novice cyclist’ printed on the back.

Along with these outfits were a high-visibility jacket, two safety vests - one with the word ‘police’ printed on the back and a warning that the rider was video-recording their journey, and one modelled on a police jacket but with the word ‘POLITE instead. 

A sensor was used to record the speed and distance left between the vehicle and cyclist when overtaking. The only outfit associated with a significant change in passing proximity was the police/video-recording jacket.

The researchers said: ‘contrary to predictions, the study suggested that drivers do not adjust overtaking proximity as a function of a rider’s perceived experience.

‘Notably, whilst some outfits seemed to discourage motorists from passing within 1 metre of the rider, approximately 1-2% of overtakes came within 50 cm no matter what outfit was worn.

‘This suggests there is little riders can do, by altering their appearance, to prevent the very closest overtakes; it is suggested that infrastructural, educational or legal measures are more promising for preventing drivers from passing extremely close to bicyclists.’

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