Riding in New York City, sometimes I use a flag, and, because I don’t like them, sometimes I don’t. When using it, I’m sure that cars give me, on average, more space than when I don’t, but I don’t have measurements. Regardless, my attorney believes using high visibility gear — safety flags, safety vests, reflective tape — help strengthen a cyclist’s case if he’s hit. It certainly weakens the non hit-and-run motorists’ most common excuse “I didn’t see him” or “he was invisible.” In the USA, fear of a strong law suit is often our best protection. Still, I hate the idea of legislated safety gear, including helmets.