I just got that lecture last week about reflective stuff by someone that knows I have lights. Maybe I should have more than a few reflective bits on my bike/ body/ gear. I just feel like I have enough relfective bits and lights and I ride in a predictable manner to the point where I feel that if someone does not see me they should not be driving or should not be driving so fast and a day glo jacket or reflective strip would probably not safe me. Maybe I'm just a fatalist? Meh.

Try being visibly pregnant and biking around. Haha!

I think, though, that there is a difference between a comment meant out of concern, regardless of gender or reproductive status, because the person believes that biking is dangerous and they care about me and comments that are from a place that sees women as specifically in need of protection and safety because we are women.

I can attempt to correct the perception that biking is an inherently dangerous activity and driving would be so much safer in a nice or humorous or non-threatening way if it is coming from concern. But, comments coming from that sexist place are different...those are harder to address in a meaningful way. Usually I just agree with those because that is what they want to hear and aren't expecting.

"Wow, euterpe, you're still biking to work? Isn't that dangerous now?"

"Yes, concerned co-worker, exercise is great from pregnant women - my midwife said so. I'm really careful about my routes and aware of what is happening on the road."

versus

"Wow, euterpe. You're still biking to work in your condition? You're endangering your baby and taking huge risks."

"Yeah, I'm a bad mom and don't care about myself or my baby."

I wonder what the prenatal effects of a deployed airbag to the gut are.

A good question...what I've found says that airbags do not increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Apparently, it is recommended that pregnant women both wear seat belts and keep the airbag feature turned on. The two working together will do more to protect the woman (e.g., keep her from being thrown through the windshield). It is also recommended that seatbelts are worn low around the hips (under the belly) so that the pressure will be on the pelvis.

(although this wording does not state if the airbags were deployed, other articles suggest that that is the case)
http://pregnancyandbaby.sheknows.com/everything-pregnancy-questions/are-car-airbags-safe-during-pregnancy/

I don't intend to make this a major topic for discussion, but I thought the answer was interesting (and a wee bit surprising).

From the two times I've been punched in the face with an air bag, I want to say that the air bag does not hit you in the belly, it snaps you in the face/ chest.

I've noticed that some front lights project very little light sideways, probably in an effort to make most of what little power bike lights usually have.

It can reduce the visibility of a cyclist coming approaching from, or stopped on, a cross street.

Reflective stuff only works well if it is in the path of illumination.

Yep. I prefer an active + passive approach myself.

I KNOW how bright my NiteRider headlight and Superflash taillight are. If someone says they didn't see me it's because they weren't looking.

Exactly. Thank you.

"Anyone that gets in front of me is going to get run the fuck over at a high rate of speed" /Jerbear
The best defence...

I feel safer on a bike than on foot. I live in phillips and bike through shadier parts of the hood, and my bike apparently is at more of a danger of getting stolen/hurt/damaged than I am. Also, I attempt to exude bad ass vibes so that might help.

Get one of those t-shirts with the airbrushed muscles all over it and sneer a lot, that'll do it.