Hi-vis gear ‘raises cycling risk’

HIGH visibility clothing may increase the chances cyclists having an accident rather than keeping them safer, research has suggested.

A study of 76 accidents found “no evidence” that those who wore reflective clothing “were at reduced risk”. Jesse Norman, the transport minister, last week said a consultation would look at whether cyclists should have to wear helmets and high-visibility vests.

But research from the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Nottingham University found “increased odds of a collision,” The Sunday Times reported.

The study suggested riders “may have adopted more exposed road positions ... in the belief that they were relatively conspicuous”.