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magic hats attract motor vehicles



 
 
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  #1  
Old September 12th 06, 09:58 PM posted to rec.autos.driving
Brent P[_1_]
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Posts: 8,639
Default magic hats attract motor vehicles


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...et/5334208.stm


Wearing helmets 'more dangerous'

Cyclists who wear protective helmets are more likely to be knocked down
by passing vehicles, new research from Bath University suggests.

The study found drivers tend to pass closer when overtaking cyclists
wearing helmets than those who are bare-headed.

<...>

To carry out the research, Dr Walker used a bike fitted with a computer
and an ultrasonic distance sensor to find drivers were twice as likely to
get close to the bicycle, at an average of 8.5cm, when he wore a helmet.

The experiment, which recorded 2,500 overtaking motorists in Salisbury
and Bristol, was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council.

Dr Walker, a traffic psychologist from the University's Department of
Psychology, said: "This study shows that when drivers overtake a cyclist,
the margin for error they leave is affected by the cyclist's appearance.

"By leaving the cyclist less room, drivers reduce the safety margin that
cyclists need to deal with obstacles in the road, such as drain covers
and potholes, as well as the margin for error in their own judgements.

<...>

To test another theory, Dr Walker donned a long wig to see whether there
was any difference in passing distance when drivers thought they were
overtaking what appeared to be a female cyclist.

While wearing the wig, drivers gave him an average of 14cm more space
when passing.

<...>


Ads
  #2  
Old September 13th 06, 12:55 AM posted to rec.autos.driving
Arif Khokar
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Posts: 1,804
Default magic hats attract motor vehicles

Brent P wrote:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...et/5334208.stm
>
>
> Wearing helmets 'more dangerous'
>
> Cyclists who wear protective helmets are more likely to be knocked down
> by passing vehicles, new research from Bath University suggests.
>
> The study found drivers tend to pass closer when overtaking cyclists
> wearing helmets than those who are bare-headed.


I've always wondered if it was feasible to tie a long wooden broom
handle to a bike such that it extends 18 inches or more to the left.

Traffic here was more aggressive than usual today. Someone actually
used their horn while they were following me. As a result, I just took
the lane and stayed there (all while going uphill at 12 mph).

> While wearing the wig, drivers gave him an average of 14cm more space
> when passing.


I just hope we don't end up with wig laws
  #3  
Old September 13th 06, 02:13 AM posted to rec.autos.driving
Brent P[_1_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 8,639
Default magic hats attract motor vehicles

In article >, Arif Khokar wrote:

> I've always wondered if it was feasible to tie a long wooden broom
> handle to a bike such that it extends 18 inches or more to the left.


I too have desired having some sort of stick off to the left.


  #4  
Old September 13th 06, 02:25 AM posted to rec.autos.driving
Nate Nagel
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,010
Default magic hats attract motor vehicles

Brent P wrote:
> In article >, Arif Khokar wrote:
>
>
>>I've always wondered if it was feasible to tie a long wooden broom
>>handle to a bike such that it extends 18 inches or more to the left.

>
>
> I too have desired having some sort of stick off to the left.
>
>


just tie an umbrella under your seat

nate

--
replace "fly" with "com" to reply.
http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel
  #5  
Old September 13th 06, 04:14 AM posted to rec.autos.driving
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 456
Default magic hats attract motor vehicles


Brent P wrote:
> In article >, Arif Khokar wrote:
>
> > I've always wondered if it was feasible to tie a long wooden broom
> > handle to a bike such that it extends 18 inches or more to the left.

>
> I too have desired having some sort of stick off to the left.


Make it a break-away balsa wood stick, for your safety.

Make it with a glob of glue that sticks to the car that invaded your
space, for later identification.

 




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