I’ve complained before (though perhaps not on this blog) about the advice given to cyclists to “ride as if you’re invisible”, because it just doesn’t make any sense. If you assume no one sees you, you can’t ride with traffic at all.

Finally, a piece of cycling instructional material backs me up:

People will often tell you to “ride as if you were invisible.” That advice only makes sense where you’re actually hidden by a blind spot. To ride all the time as if you were invisible, you would have to pull off the road whenever a car approaches from behind. You would also have to stop and wait until traffic clears before crossing any intersection. Instead, ride to make sure you’re visible. Wear bright-colored clothes day and night, and use lights and reflectors at night . Ride in the correct lane postition where you can be seen. Also, test to make sure drivers have seen you. This is the safest way to ride.
–John S. Allen, Bicycling Street Smarts