Reddit mentions: The best safety vests

Get you a good coat, good thermal base layers, good boots, and good gloves. I got all of mine from patagonia's worn wear program. Those are all worth investing in. Keep cheaper versions of these in your car, or keep your good stuff in a bag and always bring it to your car with you. I've gotten stuck in weird rainstorms and windy times without my outdoor gear, and it sucks. Depending on if you're on a trail, it can be dangerous.

Get a hat with ear flaps, or get earmuffs, and get a good scarf. What works best for me is a tight infinity scarf so that it's close to the skin. Sometimes I wear two and pull one up over my nose--you can do this with one, but I've found that sometimes I'm cozier with two :)

For reflective stuff, LED things are great. I also use this kind of reflective wear when I'm walking. It's cheap and effective.

If you get snow or ice, these things are lifesavers. Dogs that don't normally bug you when they pull could easily pull you to the ground if they pull at the wrong time when you're on an especially slick spot. Obviously, that's a bad time, but especially if you're young it's easy to forget that it's dangerous, particularly in winter--and again, especially on trails where you'll be in a bad situation if you get hurt.

Layering is your best friend as others have said. imo winter boots aren't worth it, so long as you have a good pair of all-season boots that are waterproof. At that point, you just need two good pairs of socks and you'll be set.

CHAPSTICK and lotion!! Put it in all your pockets. People forget about this, but winter is super drying on your skin and I've experienced lip bleeding from super chapped lips. Also, get lotion with SPF. You still need sunscreen in winter.

It's also worth noting that you should be prepared for winter car emergencies if you drive to your walks, too. Keep a blanket, food, water, flashlight, and extra warm clothes in there. Make sure you have an ice scraper, snow shovel, flares (especially important in winter), and jumper cables. They even make self jump starters if you go to especially rural areas or don't have local contacts that can help.

Also, get your car checked out before winter hits full force. Some mechanics will do free system checks when you get your tires rotated or get your winter tires.

P.S. Rechargeable hand warmers exist. They rock, and many can also work as portable phone chargers.

You'll find most if you look for "reflective green tape". Most types have a sort of diamond pattern on the tape. I'm guessing this would do: http://www.amazon.com/TapeCase-3277-Green-Reflective-Tape/dp/B007Y7HWMQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453386782&sr=8-2&keywords=reflective+green+tape
This one will most likely work too (better at closerange, worse at distance): http://www.amazon.com/TapeCase-3437-Green-Reflective-Tape/dp/B007Y7IRSY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453386782&sr=8-3&keywords=reflective+green+tape
Don't get the tape that appears to be very lightgreen. Darker green is better. In my limited testing with tapes, without a diamond pattern works better for closerange, but this isn't conclusive and with some adjustment might even work well at large distances. I've improved a lot in the algorithms as well; if you like to test get without diamond pattern as secondary.
Alternatively, get a green light filter, put it over the flash and use plain white/silver reflective material (I've got similar materials in small localshops. The filter you get at officesupplies, the grey/white/silver reflective material from a $5 safety vest or just as tape):
Sample of safety vest; it's not tape but works: http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Visibility-Yellow-Zipper-Reflective/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1453387694&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=safety+vest&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/Reflexite-Brand-Conspicuity-Tape-Diamond/dp/B00LGYS57Y/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1453387424&sr=8-8&keywords=reflective+tape
http://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Colored-Window-Film-Sample/dp/B00ORVX4RO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453387525&sr=8-3&keywords=green+transparent+film
Don't spend more than a few bucks on the material unless you verified that it works well. It's really all cheap stuff, but people tend to overprice and sell it bulk. A good way to test if the stuff works in store, is to load the apk on your phone and see if it tracks the marker in the store. If you're not shy of compiling, compile the apk with SHOW_CAMERA set to false in Config.java for a good debugging view of reflectivity.
Edit: Also, if you're testing in store, check for return angles. This means if you view at an angle of 45 degrees, see if that works well and so on.

5.11 (https://www.511tactical.com/) is a bit uniform shop, but you may also want to consider going to a local uniform store and figuring out what options you have there. Your local fire fighters and cops are buying their stuff locally and having patches put on, so see what's there and what can be ordered in. Usually uniform shops have lots of catalogs about too. 5.11 carries some of the most common stuff out there, like the EMT taclite pants: https://www.amazon.com/5-11-Taclite-Mens-Pant-32-32/dp/B004DT0NQ0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1510084402&sr=8-5&keywords=emt+pants

For non-winter helmets look at the petzl vertex, it's got lots of accessories and is pretty popular. For winter, get a ski/board helmet with ear covers that you can drop helmet speakers into. If you'll be on snowmobiles, consider if you need special helmets for those as well.

For "medical gear" you should have someone with formal emergency medical training that can stock that for you, and the training should follow along with the equipment. A lot of people buy stuff that they've never really used before. Figure out how you'll treat traumatic bleeding, then buy that gear, train on it, and put it in the bag. Don't put stuff in because it might work someday someway.

With outer clothing (goretex stuff, etc) it can be tricky to figure out because it's super expensive and custom. If buying $800 worth of snow pants/jackets per person with $100 of customization for each one is in the cards than do it, but because of that price tag often teams on a budget will simply say "wear a red jacket and black pants" which is a little easier for people to follow. You can keep names and insignias on helmets.

You can also just require something standard like "black or dark blue pants, and a red top", and then have people toss a vest on like this: https://www.amazon.com/KwikSafety-Presidential-Reinforced-Reflective-Construction/dp/B071JR8W4G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510084754&sr=8-2&keywords=class+2+work+vest

Personally I prefer to pick my own base layers and just wear a vest or over-shirt (non winter). I'd much rather wear my own personal wool base layers, and women often find clothing fits pretty difficult.

Yeah, I just quit my job at Walmart doing that very thing, and that's how I was interviewed, but they both interviewed me one right after the other, and I was hired on the spot.

Good luck. It's tough job. Wear sunscreen. Stay hydrated. The dress code at my store was relaxed for the cart-pushers (khaki shorts instead of pants, hats, sunglasses were all allowed). They also allowed us to wear shirts like this instead of the polo and safety vest.

Also, be ready to find some disgusting things people left in the carts (I've found such treasures as diapers and spoiled cottage cheese).

I usually don't go skating at night but when I do

1. Reflective vest (the type used on construction sites)
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030AA3YK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
2. Clip on LED
   
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072J495YV/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   I clip the LED to the back of my helmet. I have a triple eight helmet that has two tiny holes in the back of the helmet.
   
   The LED I bought above is super bright. I can vouch for it. It has 3 settings - constant light, flashing twice a second, and flashing once time a second.
   
   The sidewalks and roads are well lit around my area so I don't need a light to see where I'm going.
   
   I agree with others that the best lighting for nighttime is LED wheels. There's no way someone wouldn't be able to notice you're roller skating on with LED wheels.

I suppose it's better than nothing, unless you get this and think you've got it all covered. As others have pointed out, the shovel is not what you need to dig out snow, there's no jumper cables, fleece is great for fall but not winter. I think this is a nice gift to give those that won't prep anything for themselves. When I look at this I see it being useful if you went to work on a sunny warm day and came out to your car in the parking lot covered with snow and plowed in, not for going off a country road and digging out.

Consider adding a safety vest I think it's important to have both colors AND reflective tape on it, prices range from 5 dollars to 30 dollars.

If local laws permit, the 319 bridge over the river looks like a safer bet than the 153 due to its much wider shoulder. I didn't see any signs on the onramp prohibiting bikes on the highway, but check with the Department of Highways (or whatever its called in Tennessee) to be sure.

I suggest picking up front and rear lights ($25-30 should get you a basic set), and some sort of high visibility vest (like this or this). If you're riding after dark, some reflective tape on the bike would make you stand out in headlights.

Good luck, and stay safe.

Get a hi-visibility vest. I always ride with an ANSI Class II vest, and I think I'm more visible at night because of it.

You can also get some 3M reflective tape to put on your fenders, frame, helmet, etc. It helps to increase your general visibility. Especially put some on your sides— many cyclists do great about having lights front and rear, but from the side are pretty dark. You don't need lights going sideways, but having reflectors on your sides will help to keep cars pulling out of side streets from running over you.

I've got one, it's not a daily use tool carrier, but there's times when I do use it. I got made fun of when I first showed up with it, but after that nobody cared.

I got mine on Amazon I think, it was a different brand and black, they made a newer version that was orange and accommodated a harness

$150

Depending on what you already own and how crafty you are, reflective ribbon could be a good choice. Sewing on the inside on pant cuffs and shirt cuffs isn't too hard.

Dritz 652 Iron-On Reflective Ribbon Combo, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B9G09O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UqYlybDK7NF5A

I also have a vest similar to this. Folds very small and super visible.

Travelwey Safety Gear Reflective Vest High Visibility Day And Night, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YNFFDN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ttYlybDV8CJ7B

I have on of these. Works pretty good for short distances. Dries out in about 20 minutes wearing a mesh jacket, and one hour or more with a ventilated textile jacket.

I also have one of these, which works a lot better. Lasts for hours, and does not drip water down into your belt line.

Hey, if you are looking for a cheap safety vest, look for an "ANSI 3" or "ANSI 2" safety vest. These are standards in the US for safety and visibility. These are what highway workers and cops wear. I plan on wearing mine on top of my jacket.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000765XNG/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003M0EG32&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0A55V4JDG4D74VTDAD0D

I commute to work at night as well. I use a Cygolite Expillion 350 headlight on the front and two Planet Bike Superflash taillights on the back. I also wear a yellow traffic safety vest with retro-reflective stripes.

I have been riding at night for more than a year now without incident. I have been told by a coworker who passed me riding to work at night that he could see me a half mile away, lit up and glowing like a Christmas tree. All of this stuff will cost about $100, but it could save your life.

I bought a reflective vest in case I ever needed to change a tire at night. I also have a set of triangles, road flares, heavy duty latex gloves, high visibility rain ponchos, etc. in the trunk for the same reason.

GripGlo Reflective Safety Vest, Bright Neon Color with 2 Inch Reflective Strips - Orange Trim - Zipper Front
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N39F7TE/

AMMEX - GWON46100-BX - Nitrile Gloves - Gloveworks - Disposable, Powder Free, 8 mil, Large, Orange (Box of 100)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGSGRIS/

I suspect that one or more people in your area are calling the police to report a "suspicious person". You're riding around neigborhoods late at night, and they think you're try to case houses to see who's out of town so you can rob the houses. You don't think you look suspicious, but the locals don't know the difference. The police don't actually care, but they're trying to keep the locals happy. If this is really bothering you, the solution is to be the least suspicious you can be. Go out of your way to be seen. Put lights on the front and back of your bike, and wear a hi-vis vest. If you're clearly trying to be seen, then you're clearly not trying to hide.

The minimum requirement is just a vest, like this: https://www.amazon.com/GripGlo-Reflective-Safety-Bright-Strips/dp/B00N39F68G/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1569497490&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A7804000011&s=hi&sr=1-1 -- I have a thin one from Ikea that actually pack up into its breast pocket, and that generally lives in my bag.

Many folks just wear a fluorescent-colored t-shirt, which works fine in daylight/worklight.

It's generally better to be wearing high vis except when you can't (i.e., only wear blacks during the show), but theatrical culture still tends to lean towards dark colors.

I've often felt there's a market for "dressy" high vis (like button down shirts, ties, etc.) for lighting designers/directors, but I really don't want to get into finding fluorescent colored shirting... =)

So... its getting hot out. Thinking of ways to stay cool - anyone have any experience using/flying with these vests? https://www.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-Ice-Vest/dp/B01MQ3NW7U?th=1

Getting three of these is still cheaper than buying a ready made ice chest cooler, and easier than building and restocking a homemade one...

Can confirm living in a desert, as wind rushes over your skin it pulls moisture away, plus sun exposure. A good way to combat heat is to wear a jacket and soak a cooling vest like this in cold water. The jacket helps keep the vest wet while the moist vest keeps you cool. I have this vest and once squeezed out will not dampen your clothes underneath.

Boots: Irish Setter 83606

Gloves: Hardy fingerless from Harbor Freight, or Maxiflex if my employer has them.

Glasses: 3M Virtua 11329 safety glasses in clear or dark depending on environment

Hardhat: 3M full brim vented: 3M Full Brim Hard Hat H-805V, 4-Point Ratchet Suspension, Vented, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZL273U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_NAuWD2zlspgwe

Dust mask: 3M 8210V 3M(TM) Particulate Respirator 8210V, N95 Respiratory Protection 10/Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075782N7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7omsDb7QGJGNQ

Class 2 vest: M.L. Kishigo 1513 in lime: ML Kishigo 1513 Ultra-Cool Polyester Black Series Heavy Duty Vest, Extra Large, Lime https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074Q1Y5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XqmsDb6348RW9

Well If you have a freezer at both ends of the walk, and have totally given up on any social acceptance, Ice Vests are a thing. Or you can hold your wrists, or head, or both (large veins, close to the skin) under cold running water to cool yourself.

Okay I have been seeing those rise in popularity even where I'm from but even 'nothing' is okay as long as you're not an idiot.

Why not get a cheap flashing led to hold or clip on? Or even just a caution vest

I used to run with one of those for a bit. Or a head lamp.

It gets pretty hot here in the summer time. When the temps are steadily above 100, I wear one of these under my mesh jacket. It absorbs a good amount of water that gradually evaporates over a period of time.

FlexiFreeze Ice Vest (Zipper Closure) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ3NW7U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hWbBzb9CF5SP6

I have not used it, but seems like it might work ok?

Maybe one of those orange reflective vests that road workers wear? LOL

Found one on amazon its only five bucks!

https://www.amazon.com/41113-Industrial-Safety-Reflective-Stripes/dp/B000IDSZ1U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521904949&sr=8-4&keywords=orange+vest

http://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Freeze-Ice-Vest-Navy/dp/B001P30358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410394475&sr=8-1&keywords=ice+vest

something like this. does what it says on the tin, but they are usually only good for about 2 hours, then it's just another layer that holds heat

My Dad and his group of friends play the highest score on each hole has to wear a reflective safety vest (http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Visibility-Yellow-Zipper-Reflective/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=lp_553620_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1426830551&sr=1-1) for the next hole. It's quite the badge of shame!

That's a good idea.

Something like this might be good.

And a CamelBak to stay hydrated. :D

I just wear a construction vest. If it's good enough for them to wear while working in the road it's good enough for me. With headlight/taillight + vest I have had no issues with people seeing or not seeing me.
Vest I wear

Unless you need a vest for water bottles or something (phones/keys) just get one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Adjustable-Security-Visibility-Reflective/dp/B06XRTGJ2L/ref=asc_df_B06XRTGJ2L/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312210011890&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14975587168582474093&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014708&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-569056026371&psc=1

​

And even that can have a key attached to the straps easy enough (done it)

Its high vis yellow to match the rest of the Hero outfit.

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Visibility-Yellow-Zipper-Reflective/dp/B0030AA3YK

http://splatoonwiki.org/wiki/Hero_Jacket_Replica

This scanner im using is from 2004 and is really washing out the colors. :|

one neon vest
plus one hard hat
and a pair a jeans you can say your a county worker...that required to take union breaks or part of the village people...your choice lol

https://www.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-Ice-Vest-Zipper-Closure/dp/B01MQ3NW7U

Do they give you cooling? The throwing up is heatstroke i think... Just need better cooling... You can do anything after 2 weeks give it a thought...

The Neiko city beautification kit: 36" bolt cutters and a cloak of invisibility.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko®-00563A-36-inch-Heavy-duty-Chrome-Molybdenum/

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko®-53941A-Safety-Visibility-Standard/dp/B0030AA3YK/

https://smile.amazon.com/Ergodyne-Chill-Its-6602-Evaporative-Cooling/dp/B001B5I57I/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1496598431&sr=1-8&keywords=cooling+towel

Something like that or,

https://smile.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-Ice-Vest-Velcro-Closure/dp/B001P30358/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1496598521&sr=1-4&keywords=cooling+vest

A vest with gel packs inside that can stay colder longer.

I have this cheap-o vest and I wear a headlamp.

I think me being aware of my surroundings contributes more to my safety than reflective gear does. I assume cars cannot see me and do not take any chances.

If you're an HVAC installer, you may want to invest into something like
this.

> Marz Direct

As of right now, searches on Amazon for Marz Direct as a vendor yields only one item being sold by them; some Dymo labels. There are other ice vests on Amazon though.

Sure it is, just put on a cooling vest.

Here's the $8.50 version that I got on amazon. Useful if you are nowhere near an Ikea but are in amazon's shipping zone.

There is a cheaper version on Amazon that is advertised for this purpose: FlexiFreeze Ice Vest (Velcro Closure)

You can get an ANSI/ ISEA 107-2010 high-vis vest on amazon for $7. Just slips over whatever you're wearing and you can shove it in your panniers/pockets when you're not riding.

https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-53941A-Visibility-Safety-Standard/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S0J7MATCHMJER37BXAT8

I worked with a guy that had one kind of like this in orange. It seemed to do him well and he didn't look like a complete toolbag wearing it.

Typically they add a disguised vent or a couple of cooling fans or something. Domes, helmets, mascots & furrys with full head pieces, cosplays, etc.

For full body suits like that, or in warmer environments, some people make or buy a shirt or vest, with pockets sewn in for those gel pouches you put in the freezer

Adam Savage built a liquid cooling system that circulated water through tubes sewn to an undergarment, based on tech used in actual spacesuits. And I've seen a couple of projects that use solid state Peltier cooling units attached to a shirt or vest for cooling. And there are also commercial available versions of both of those, if you're less of a DIYer.

I throw one of these over what I am wearing and then I don't have to worry about if the jersey is high-viz. It's a cheap option.

I am in no way vouching for this product, but here's an amazon link. You can find other alternatives if you go down to the comparable products area.

https://www.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-Ice-Vest-Zipper-Closure/dp/B01MQ3NW7U

You might want one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001P30358/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466027537&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=cooling+vest

How about an ice vest?

Here is the mobile version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IDSZ1U/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1487864083&sr=1-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

Anytime appropriate. And only $5.50

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fMIVDbAXWF72T

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P30358

FlexiFreeze

What kind of vest do you have?

I was just looking at this:

FlexiFreeze Ice Vest (Zipper Closure) FlexiFreeze https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ3NW7U/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_c7FmDbT78CDHA

Got a reflective vest. For a "unisex" item it runs a bit snug despite not being fitted. 11 dollars, with a zip pocket.

Reflective Vest for Running or Cycling (Women and Men, with Pocket, Gear for Jogging, Biking, Motorcycle, Walking)(Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6J18BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_lU2sKKV98UEDo

https://www.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-FF0IV02-0IVNV-Ice-Vest-Navy/dp/B001P30358 or something similar.

if you are somewhere dry you could try an evaporative cooling vest.

You could try an ice vest

FlexiFreeze Ice Vest, Navy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P30358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F.1pxbGANCW5J

TechNiche International Adult HyperKewl Cooling Sport Vest, X-Large, Royal Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VMF2NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_loBQzbA7TPWW2

just found this:
http://www.amazon.com/Flexi-Freeze-Ice-Vest-Navy/dp/B001P30358

So, back when I lived in OC, we had the same issue at the apartment we had - hot as fuck and no AC. So, I bought this after too much wine, and too much heat. Everyone laughed at me - but I swear, everyone's who's put it on on days like this wants one. You look like an idiot, but even my wife grabbed it yesterday after biking home from work.

Of course! I live in Vancouver, BC so I am fully aware of how frustrating it can be to learn how to ride in the rain.

Also, regarding your question about waterproof gear, the people who said GoreTex were correct, but you should also go out and get a hi-visibility vest to put over your coat (similar to what construction workers wear, like this). Then, go out and spend the money to get very bright front and rear lights.

The cycling dream is to someday get to the point where people only "dress for the destination, not the journey" and can embrace the chic European bicycle style, but being seen is one of the most incredibly important things when you're out there among the 2-ton steel death machines.

Somebody here on /r/bikecommuting used the phrase (and I've stolen it many times), but my goal is to have drivers mistake me for someone who stole a Christmas tree. At least then I know that they see me!

I suck at photoshop.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/02/ohio-lawmakers-vote-gas-tax-hike/3312585002/

​

Not trying to start a protest but, https://smile.amazon.com/Neiko-53941A-Visibility-Safety-Yellow/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=yellow+vest&qid=1555531309&s=gateway&sr=8-3

...Because seriously. With what they spend on their kit, $180 USD is a drop in the bucket.


I'll have to read the SCA heavy combat rules again sometime and see. Back when I used to go watch these events I had no idea those vests even existed.

Edit: Thank you for the reply!

I bought a cooling vest from Amazon it was $100 and has ice packs my only issue with it is that is looks like a bullet proof vest and I live in a city with a history of gun violence so I have to be aware of that. So I am going to have it embroidered to say “medical device” and “dysautonomia awareness” and “cooling best” of you have an amazon card you can pay it off over six months without interest



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ3NW7U/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_7c45Cb57GM1TK

One does not invalidate the other.

Yes drunk driving is awful and should be punished harshly.

But that doesn't mean someone wearing all black crossing the middle of the road at 10pm is completely not at fault. Personal responsibility is a thing. When I go for a run I have a reflective vest. They cost $7.00

Do I look a little silly? Yes. You know what looks even worse? My brains on the pavement.

I have experienced many collisions with cars as a cyclist. Sometimes I have been nice and "let them off with a warning" so to speak. I have always ended up wishing I could hold those drivers accountable for my losses later, when the adrenaline wore off and I was feeling less charitable. You say your back wheel is rolling fine, but unless it's exactly as straight as it was before, you have experienced a loss. Your wheels, and your knees, only have so many hits in them. My advice if you experience a collision with a car:

Don't make any promises or definitive statements while under the effects of adrenaline. Qualify anything you say with vague statements about doctors or lawyars. Lawyers? Yawlerws? My spellcheck's busted. Damn noscript probably.

Definitely make them stop exactly where they are, put the car in park, and turn off the engine. If they don't do this when you tell them to, cut their tires to prevent hit-and-run with your handy carry knife. If you even let them pull off the road, they might just drive away and leave you holding the bill for your wheels, legs, frame, spine, helmet, and skull. You're allowed to use reasonable force to detain them while you gather their information or wait for police to verify their insurance status.

Once you have their driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card in your hand, let them drive off the road. Car people behind them are probably honking mad by now. How dare you inconvenience a car person! Car people are very important.

If they have those documents and everything looks legit, continue on your errand and call their insurance company at a time convenient for you. The driver will probably use this as a lesson to drive safer i.e. actually come to a stop where required, so they won't immediately need those documents. You can retain them for now.

If they are missing any of those documents, call the police (non-emergency) and get the driver checked for warrants and their insurance verified by a cop.

> But I wasn't prepared with the exact right words as I was all adrenaline and no brains. What should I have said?

It helps to have a script. I'm so used to yelling “you too” it's just instinct now. Your line after you drop your bike right in front of their car and walk up to the driver's window is “Put the car in park, please. Turn off the ignition. Put the car in park, please. Give me your license, turn off the ignition right now, please. Give me your license, your registration, and your insurance card.” If you have to repeat that more than a couple of times, start cutting rubber. In the comic book version, you'd already have your giant wrench you carry everywhere in your other hand and you'd be breaking glass too. In real life, I don't know how you'll feel telling a jury you were forced to dent every body panel and break every window and light on car, in order to prevent hit and run, because you felt threatened. We can dream, anyway. Cutting their tires actually makes them stop though, so that's clear cut self defense.

Ask them if they're still living at the address listed on the license, like a cop does. It freaks them out. Be wearing rear view aviators and a construction vest and be chewing gum for maximum effect.

And as always, if you feel threatened, do whatever you have to do to defend yourself. The roads should be a safe space.