Does club kit increase group ride safety?

[oblewis]

Recently I've had discussions with a fellow club member. We belong to a fairly large club (400+ members), however most club rides have few members sporting the club's official kit. The club has never made this a compulsory aspect of group rides for whatever reason.

My question is this: Do you think motorists pay more attention and/or treat a group ride with more 'respect' if the riders are in club kit?

My current hypothesis is yes. I believe that riders in matching kit presents a group that is more organized/serious as well as potentially more noticeable (regardless of club colours) when taking up space on the road as a group. As a result I believe cars will inherently be more forgiving in the space provided to the group while passing.

Anyone else have thoughts or experiences that support/dispel?

 

[avanti]

Recently I've had discussions with a fellow club member. We belong to a fairly large club (400+ members), however most club rides have few members sporting the club's official kit. The club has never made this a compulsory aspect of group rides for whatever reason.

My question is this: Do you think motorists pay more attention and/or treat a group ride with more 'respect' if the riders are in club kit?

My current hypothesis is yes. I believe that riders in matching kit presents a group that is more organized/serious as well as potentially more noticeable (regardless of club colours) when taking up space on the road as a group. As a result I believe cars will inherently be more forgiving in the space provided to the group while passing.

Anyone else have thoughts or experiences that support/dispel?

I doubt that matching kits make any difference to non-matching kits in a group of riders. However highy visible clothing is more easdily seen than dark clothing even on riders in a group.

I ride and drive in the Boulder, Colorado, area and I can tell you I see brightly clad bike riders (individuals and groups) much sooner than I see dark clad riders (especially in low light conditions).