Psychological Operations (PSYOP) are the dark art of crafting and disseminating information to influence the emotions, objective reasoning, and behaviour of individuals, groups and even governments. The good news is that what works for the CIA and Kremlin can have lessons for you on your cycle commute!
The Dutch bicycle manufacturer Vanmoof has reduced delivery damage to its bikes by up to 80 per cent by printing the image of a flat-screen TV on its boxes. More than simply lateral thinking, it hints at the psychology that’s at play on our roads.
Drivers pass closer when overtaking cyclists wearing helmets than when overtaking bare-headed cyclists, increasing the risk of a collision, found Dr Ian Walker, a traffic psychologist from the University of Bath. He used a bicycle fitted with a computer and an ultrasonic distance sensor to record data from over 2,500 overtaking motorists in Salisbury and Bristol.
He found that drivers were as much as twice as likely to get particularly close to the bicycle when he was wearing the helmet. Across the board, drivers passed an average of 8.5 cm closer with the helmet than without.
Dr Walker suggests the reason drivers give less room to cyclists wearing helmets is down to how cyclists are perceived as a group: “We know from research that many drivers see cyclists as a separate subculture, to which they don’t belong. As a result, they hold stereotyped ideas about cyclists, often judging all riders by the yardstick of the Lycra-clad street-warrior. This may lead drivers to believe cyclists with helmets are more serious, experienced and predictable than those without. The idea that helmeted cyclists are more experienced and less likely to do something unexpected would explain why drivers leave less space when passing.”
Walker also found that motorists allowed more space when overtaking when he wore a long wig which suggested he was a woman. A variation on the theme was highlighted last week on Twitter.
In the absence of good widespread cycling infrastructure, a robust legal framework and adequate roads policing you do what you can, right? We’ve got 10 tattoo arm warmers to give away…
Win a tattoo sleeve arm warmer
We have 10 tattoo sleeve arm warmers to give away – to be in with a chance of bagging yourself one, simply leave us a message at the bottom of this page. We’ll pick winners next week.
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Maria
Do you think tattoos would work for women? Or is long hair the female psyops equivalent?
Wolf Simpson
Oh that is just an awesome idea, just will enhance my look on my Cruiser. 😎
Edward Fleet
Chris Boardman and colleagues do great work for cycling in places like Manchester and other big cities, and that makes me jealous as nothing ever seems to get done where I live in Grimsby. Ed
Martin
These would be great thanks.
Wolf Simpson
Oh that is just an awesome idea, just will enhance my look on my Cruiser. 😎
Joanne L
In the name of science, sign me up!
Alexander Brown
Already a customer, but will try anything to reduce close passes. Roads haven’t gotten quieter in lockdown around here.
David Wilson
Hullo! This could also provide a trail run to see if I should actually get some real tattoos – and the reaction of my friends & family! 😉🤔😊
Niall Henderson
Love this idea. Am now thinking about getting one of those Spiderman costumes with the built-in muscles.- surely that would have the same effect?!
Mark
Keep up the good work guys. Love to win a pair.
Alex
Cool!
Stephen
I’d love to give one of these a test on my local roads, I’ve had some horrible experiences with inconsiderate drivers.
Mark
Nice, I just need to develop some arm muscles to complete the look now.
💪
Darren C
I can only imagine the look of shock on my co-workers faces walking into the office with a pair of those on!
Unfortunately my commute is in the dark in both directions at this time of year, so I’ll have to wait until next year to see if I get treated any differently on the road.
Gillian
Very interesting idea and it would be certainly fun to try it out.
Patricia Richardson
Great idea, as I’m a coward to have tattoo’s. It’s like having a painting on your body instead of a wall.
But some do give a menacing image, so great for cyclist
Ali
Love the idea of the arm warmers. Would go well with a tanktop bodywarmer!
Matthew Newell
They look hilarious – would love to give them a try.
Andrew
Love it! ETA makes me look tough for the first time ever, keeps me safer, and keeps my arms warm when I’m on the bike at this time of year. What’s not to like…!
Glenn Abbassi
As a new – to an e-bike – they would be great fun when cycling along country lanes – and hopefully raise a smile – they would to me, definitely!
Bryn Gwyndaf Jones
What will they think of an 86-year old wearing one of these!
Mike
I wonder if they would work on an octogenarian?
Robert Lewis
I would love a pair of these, if only to see the look on my friends faces when I turn up for a ride with them on.
Alastair Seagroatt
Just love the idea of tattoos without the pain, with an added bonus.
Andrew
Love the idea of a tattoo arm warmer. Won’t wrinkle like my skin as I get older. Intend to keep cycling until the day i drop.
Nic B
Isn’t strange (and funny ) that car driver perceive cyclists with tattoo sleeves to be too dangerous to drive close to but a perfect safety device .
Frank Lee
I have some old arm warmers that I use from time to time, but these tattoo versions might give me a bit of badly needed street cred! unless I wear them as pony tails!
Jane Collier
What an ingenious idea, and looks so cool too!
Alan Anderson
Tatts oot
Wol Gilbraith
Have you got ’em for LEGS too?
Peter Clark
Awesome idea. Couldn’t afford that level of coverage with the real thing
David Gray
This might suit my kids more than me.
Joel Moreland
Added bonus of reducing abrasion injuries.
Kathleen Crook
Oh how I would love these to make drivers scared of me on my bike😱😱😱
Mark B
I wear a bright cycling jacket all the time so can I put them on my legs?!
Boyd
Yes please, they would be just the job for cruising the mean streets of rural Suffolk!
Chris
Interested to see if drivers would give a wider berth
T D
Bring them on – I will survive on my bike! 🙂
Andrew Abbess
Never been keen on getting a tatoo but these look great
Rue
Definitely easier than getting your whole arm tattooed and go cycling sleeveless during winter. Great idea and interesting theory behind it!
Jamie J
Inkredible!
Brian
They will stop me looking ‘armless.
Fergus Duncanson
These are a really brilliant invention. I do so want a pair, just to complete my pensioner hard man look!
paul
Do they do Hells Angel Helmets & Hi Vis Jackets?
Will Bramhill
My wife would hate it if I got permanent tattoos. These may be just the answer.
KathyC
Brilliant idea and they look so real. Would love a pair to see my families reaction and suits my pension age.
Patricia Richardson
Great idea, as I’m a coward to have tattoo’s. It’s like having a painting on your body instead of a wall.
But some do give a menacing image, so great for cyclist
Doug M
A really sneaky idea. I like that!
Sandy
Instantly removable tattoos. Great idea.
Alex McMorran
I was accosted and spat on by a driver in a road-rage incident this week. Maybe these would’ve helped! Sign me up
David Curran
– Don’t really have the muscles to back up the hard-nut impression (the only way I resemble a racing snake), but might be fun, especially with a long-hair wig to hide my ever-increasing bald patch.
FT
Yes please!
Phil
I study behavioural economics and behavior change and this fascinates me, It’s also quite worrying to think that tattoos still equate tattoos to being ”tough”, makes sense to me – makes me want to extend my tattoos to a sleeve, intrigued if if it’s the same reaction for women snd if it’s the same reaction across the country ETA you should look to sponsor a research study!
Anna
Nice to know it! I was about to get a big tattoo on my arm, but I was worry to burn it off when I fell over. I usually fall over , I’m a little bit clumsy plus traffic 😅 The slaves are a good way to start.
Craig
Fascinating idea, hope they’re suitable for skinny armed cyclists.
Nate
Would love one thanks even though I’m completely ‘armless 😉
Anna
Can I wear this over my winter jacket? Seriously though, I’d love to win one please. 🙂
John
Passed a cyclist near the Cat and Fiddle with 2 bright flashing yellow warning lights at rear. He /she was taking no chances. Very impressive as the narrow road twists and turns, yet is busy with over confident drivers.
I couldn’t see their arms as it was dark and foggy.
Hilary
These would make me well-armed against motorists.
Guy
If drivers view us a separate subculture, let’s really show them.
But I’m keeping my helmet on, whatever the science says.
Mike Croker
would be an ‘armless experience?
Les Gunbie
Tattoo stereotyping! Nice one guys!!
Carol W
Tatts fantastic! 🙂
Peter Harvey
I’d plan to wear mine during work video conferences for that extra street cred 🙂
Ema
At least these would not change much with the passing of time, no old skin issues….
Amoeba
What’s not to like?