What's the best Hi Viz colour to wear in late Summer?

In August, after the harvest has been taken in, the environment starts to shift towards autumn with changing foliage colours and potentially variable weather conditions. In this context, the best Hi Viz colour to wear is ideally one that contrasts well with the natural surroundings and is highly visible under different lighting conditions.

A bright and contrasting colour like orange is a good choice for several reasons:

Contrast: Orange is a colour that stands out well against many natural backgrounds, including green fields and blue skies. This contrast makes it easier for others to spot you, enhancing your visibility.

Recognition: Orange is not commonly found in natural settings, so it tends to catch people's attention quickly. This is especially important in situations where quick recognition is essential for safety.

Daytime Visibility: During daylight hours, orange is highly visible even from a distance. It's a bright and attention-grabbing colour that helps people identify your presence easily.

Low-Light Visibility: Even as the daylight starts to fade in the evening or during overcast days, orange remains relatively visible as it stands out better, making it easier for others to see you in conditions with less light.

Association with Safety: Orange is a colour often associated with safety gear, construction sites, road work, and other outdoor industries where visibility is crucial. This association has been ingrained in many people's minds, so they instinctively recognize orange as a cautionary colour.

Colour-blind Considerations: While not all individuals see colour the same way, orange tends to be distinguishable by most types of colour vision deficiencies, making it a more universally recognisable colour.

Comfort: Consider how comfortable you feel in your chosen colour as you'll be spending a significant amount of time riding in it, so it's important to feel at ease in what you're wearing.

Coordination: If you're riding in a group or participating in events, coordinating Hi Viz colours with others can also be helpful for visibility and a sense of unity.

Reflective Elements: Even if you choose a colour based on personal preference, incorporating reflective elements can enhance your safety during low-light conditions.

Ultimately, the "best" Hi Viz colour is one that meets both safety requirements and your personal comfort and style preferences. If the colour you choose enhances your visibility to others and helps keep you safe while riding, you can certainly factor in your personal taste when making your decision.