On 13/03/11 19:34, Jeff wrote:
Even though I have built a few experimental recumbents, I stil worry about
visibility issues in traffic. Seems to me a driver just may not notice a
flag as much as a person at eye-level height. Your thuoghts?

There are 'bents and there are 'bents. Mine (an HP Vel Streetmachine)
has the seat at about the same height as a car seat. That actually
makes it easier to get eye-contact with most drivers in close traffic.

But the real keys in traffic are being in predictable places. You can
be on a normal upright bike in traffic and if you're between trucks,
buses and vans you'll be no better off than a lowracer among cars, yet
that's not a kiss-of-death. You make sure you go in places that are in
sight and you make sure you proceed in a predictable fashion. Same on
/any/ bike.

Never bothered with a flag on mine. Only recall one time I wasn't seen,
and that's because the chap didn't look (and I /saw/ him not looking).
A quick and loud "*OI*!" soon solved that.

The "you must be nearly invisible down there" is often cited as a
problem for 'bents I've never actually found it to be one. If anything
I get more space, not less.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/