I like that bicycling is gaining in popularity outside of my country (The Netherlands), but do you need to re-invent the wheel every time? Simple (theft-resistant) reflector strips have been the norm here for a long time:
http://www.fietsen.123.nl/thumbs/300x205h/2010-03/2bs_bicycl...
The answer: yes, they really think they do. As a Belgian living in North America, I find myself repeating the same thing over and over again: Europe figured this shit out 30 years ago. Just do what they are doing.
But then they insist it couldn't possibly work. So they do dumb things like requiring bike helmets, but not reflectors or brakes.
But then they insist it couldn't possibly work. So they do dumb things like requiring bike helmets, but not reflectors or brakes.