If I have to ride street, I'll use one of those reflection vests. When I'm driving, those things are impossible for me to miss. Also, they're good during the day, and they don't need batteries. Some sort of light on the back would be a supplement.

Unfortunately, with the advent of texting, it's getting more dangerous out there. I'm sure we all have heard stories about a driver accidentally hitting and killing bicyclist riding on the side. This is the type of danger over which the biker has no control. It's the type of danger that doesn't make the biker mysteriously macho if the biker decides to bike in the face of danger anyway.

Every single time I get on the road, I see at least a few drivers swerving to get back into their lane while being distracted by their cell phone. Whatever goal the biker is trying to achieve is not worth the clear risk to life if riding on the street is not totally necessary.