Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gosh! It was ages ago that I wrote about how evolution had provided certain species with protective colouration, either to protect themselves (usually from being eaten), or to warn others that they are a danger.

The post was about wasps and cyclists both wearing black and yellow so that they could be easily seen … and avoided.

What has happened since is proof that evolution is a continuing process – nothing to do with wasps, which continue to dress in their bright, fear inducing, warning colours – but cyclists. When I wrote the earlier post I lived in the city; streetlights, wide footpaths, and traffic at 30mph or less. Now I live in deepest, darkest Devon; rain, mist, tall banks, narrow lanes smeared with mud (and more!), tractors, trucks, and tourists.

The often lycra-clad lovies who either live in, or visit, the countryside have, by and large, evolved from the conspicuous, safety conscious, brightly coloured pestilence that you could see from afar, to a covert, secretive, and almost invisible camouflaged shape lurking among the shadows and hedgerows, revealed only by the occasional flash of LEDs, sheltering beneath a gel-padded saddle.

What has happened to the gaudy, hi-viz, eye-screechingly yellow tops? They have been replaced with, grey, green, brown, and black – and not on their own, sometimes in combination – an almost perfect match for their surroundings. The standard colour-scheme for the Devon countryside is … grey, green, brown, and black, usually in combination.

I try to understand this change. Why, when they are so vehemently desirous to taking claim of their entitled road-space, do they not want to be seen? Is yellow not this year’s colour?, Have they become too shy to be seen? Have cyclists, like lemmings, developed some kind of death-wish?

As a keen motorcyclist I was more than happy to wear bright reflective gear to avoid the SMIDSY effect (Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You). I much preferred being seen, to having drivers pull out of junctions, or change lanes, in complete oblivion of any one except themselves.

I shall continue to give cyclists the widest of berths – assuming I see them, of course – because; I have no desire to hear their inane drivel if they think I’m too close, pathetic whinging should I bounce them into the bushes, or have to polish off the nasty marks they leave on the paintwork. 

But, on a serious note, let’s drive and ride carefully, be patient and considerate, and show each other respect. The highways and byways are there for us all to enjoy, especially in glorious Devon, and for us all to get home safely.

Oh, and, come on, cyclists, get the hi-viz tops on again – give us motorists a chance!