Pearl Izumi has reinvented the art and science of being seen
For Fall 2015, Pearl Izumi introduces an all-new assortment of high-visibility running apparel using BioViz™ technology. Pearl Izumi BioViz™ garments are designed to leverage human biology and activate a driver’s stimuli with information so intuitive that it works at the subconscious level.
Twenty years ago, Pearl Izumi forever changed running safety with the introduction of the screaming yellow jacket. This fall, Pearl Izumi focused the new line on making runners visible in all conditions, day or night. BioViz™ technology turns reflectivity into a powerful communication and safety tool for both runners and drivers. The Pearl Izumi BioViz™ standard demands that runners be visible at a minimum of 70 meters, a number deemed a safe distance for drivers to have ample time to take corrective action if necessary, based on Pearl Izumi’s research.
“Our hope in investing in this research and development of quantifiable standard for wearable safety technology is not only to keep our customers safe out there on the road, but to encourage other brands to join us in developing an industry standard to keep athletes safe,” said Kelly Davidson, Product Line Manager for Run Apparel. “Currently, there are no quantifiable standards to refer to when developing or labeling a garment as high-vis. We need to draw a line in the sand and we hope that the entire industry will join us in this conversation.”
BioViz™ relies on a combination of true fluorescent colors for daytime visibility and strategically placed reflective markers for optimal nighttime performance.
The fluorescent Screaming Yellow color used by Pearl Izumi actually converts invisible UV rays into visible light, causing the garment to appear to glow, making riders visible from up to five times farther away than with standard colors. Using color is critical to help cyclists be better seen in daylight, since reflective material only works at low light or nighttime conditions. New for this season, Pearl Izumi is introducing two additional true florescent colors, Screaming Green and Screaming Pink.
Beyond the new 70m minimum-visibility standard for reflectivity, Pearl Izumi is using the principal of bio-motion to turn reflective markers into a powerful communication tool.
The concept behind bio-motion, based on the study from Swedish Psychologist Gunnar Johansson, stems from the general idea that the brain is programed to notice patterns of movement. BioViz™ apparel uses reflective materials at specific strategic points to create visual cues that identify cyclists to drivers, faster. Markers placed high on the body create a steady reference point, while markers on the waist and thighs create a secondary rhythmic pattern, and locations on the lower extremities provide dynamic movement. Together, these three reference points communicate to drivers that you are a human running alongside the road, and not just another bright object at night.
In addition to bio-motion, our brains are wired to notice graphic patterns. Through strategic color blocking, Pearl Izumi BioViz™ apparel engages the driver faster than solid hi-vis colors.
http://shop.pearlizumi.com/cms/index.php?page=biovis
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