Are taillights necessary for daytime riding?
 

Picking up my FX 3 Disc in a couple days and trying to get a good idea what are necessary accessory purchases. This is my first real bike purchase ever, so I'm still figuring this out.

Are tail lights a must for my daytime riding? I'm looking at the Planet Bike SuperFlash, but I wouldn't mind spending in the $50-$60 range for a better one if it's worth it and you have recommendations.

I started riding with both front and rear lights during the day about three years ago and will never go back to commuting without them. I am so much more visible to sleepy morning drivers now - including those who might think about checking texts as they approach me. A bright flashing light makes it almost impossible for drivers to miss or ignore you. YES! Spend whatever you need to get a powerful rear blinkie AND a good, blinking headlight, too!

Not necessary, but I think they're a good idea. As a driver, I see cyclists much sooner when they have taillights. The super flash type work well under many conditions, but they tend to disappear in bright sun.

All useful information, thank you.

This may sound like a dumb question, but I'm concerned about the super bright blinking, flashing taillight. Is this not a risk for epileptics? I'm a teacher and I have a student who's extremely sensitive to this, has a condition and faints to any strobe/flashing lights. So, obviously there will be others like this. Just a bit concerned about this. I suppose I don't have to use the blinking lights and just keep on the steady bright light and that should be fine.

Bah. Lights are only desirable if you want to maximize your chance of being seen by drivers. The rear light is a no brainer. A front light is handy sometimes if you see a car in the oncoming lane. He'll probably stay in his lane, but the guy behind him trying to pass him is guaranteed to use your lane to get around him. Unless he sees your blinking headlight. At least, that's my analysis, and I went to college.

I never ride without a rear blinking light and almost always use a front blinking light, as well.

Yes, I believe they are.

In my area, there's a particular quality of the light that combines with the background colors and hues, such that it can be incredibly common to see a cyclist seemingly blend in with the background. Until getting quite close. I haven't seen that everywhere I've ever been, but it sure occurs where I live.

Cyclists who have two or more "daytime" flashing lights end up vastly more visible (to me) than otherwise. Granted, those are just my own observations from seeing hundreds of cyclists on various roads, but it sure seems to help. With brightly-colored (ie, DayGlo Green) jersey or jacket, visibility is improved further.

I also frequently see that the cyclists with two or three exceptionally-bright "daytime" flashers also get a wider berth from following vehicles.

If riding frequently on roadways with lots of following vehicular traffic, my own preference is for: one very bright flasher on the back of the rack or saddle; one very bright flasher on the seat stay, down lower, flashing a different pattern; and a flasher on the rear of the helmet. Pretty darned visible, by comparison to having none or even one.

I suppose the benefits in your own area would depend on conditions and lighting. But I can't see how it could hurt to have as much high-viz rear lighting as possible.

While there are some brighter ones on the market, I've used this one and have been impressed with the visibility: Bontrager Flare R rear light.

Here's a useful website of reviews: Reviews @ BikeLightDatabase.

What Papa Tom said...Also in the morning and afternoon when the sun is low and in driver's eyes, having a flashing light really helps with visibility.

I recently replaced my helmet light with one that has a bright strobe. I started using it along with my front/rear flashers during the day...and I have noticed a favorable difference in how cars behave around me.

Using lights in a daytime is optional and it isn't a necessity. Personally I don't use lights in the daytime

I used the Planet Bike Super Flash for many years, then switched to the Super Flash Turbo when it came out which is twice as bright. I've received many compliments from motorists regarding my visibility.

I only use them when in heavy or higher speed traffic. Quiet neighborhood rides or rides to the local store don't need 'em.

Awesome, thanks for your replies. I purchased the Portland Design Works Danger Zone tail-light. I tried the get the Bontrager that Clyde linked, but it's out of stock at Trek and at my local bike shop. I'm sure the Portland Design Works will do the trick.

Someone with such severe epilepsy is likely not allowed to drive a car...And a passenger can look away from the light.

I agree with some others that a blinking (and bright) taillight is nearly essential for even daytime riding if there is any motor vehicle traffic.

I agree and even at night both motor vehicles and bicycles are in constant arms race of ever brighter lights that I find counter productive and blinding. I feel like 'normal' lighting on newer motor vehicles are more blinding than high beams on older models, particularly on raised vehicles.

I use both head and tail lights during the day in the hopes that they make me a little more visible to drivers. High visibility clothing and helmets also contribute an extra edge in safety. Bicyclists lose in almost every encounter with a motor vehicle, so every little bit helps.

A bright blinking rear light would be good. I feel it is also important to wear bright colors upper body. The neon yellow and green chartreuse jump out in a city of concrete . If Huston is plentiful in bright colors wear drab concrete colors. lol. Just be seen! Wish you safe travels in the street jungles.

Yes, flashing lights front and rear. But the rear needs to be intense. I would recommend a Cygolite hotshot 150 lumen or better for the taillight.

I nearly always use them, along with a front flashing light, and cameras. I also nearly always wear a helmet.
I also don't think any of these things should be "necessary".

They don't hurt to have.

Ultimately, safety depends on motorists paying attention.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that. Artists' supply stores often sell very inexpensive (like 3 for $10) neon yellow or orange t-shirts that are excellent for commuting. I find that, if I wear the same bright color every day, drivers start to recognize and look for me on the road.

I have one with 250 lumens attached to my helmet. For daytime with sunlight I wouldn't go less.

At night I choose a lower setting.

I don't, when it's sunny but I wear a bright top / jacket and my bike is a bright color and riding a bit in the road so you're not hidden in the side.

I do when it's cloudy, overcast, rainy, dark or the sun is low.

I also carry a spare light if it's a usb charged one and for my rear I have battery powered backup and I'll test my lights the night before

In pitch black riding I also add a fluorescent tabard with sliver reflective strips on

What's the harm in having one? It will increase your chances of being seen. I run rear and front lights day and night. It's a no-brainer.

In Germany, bikes are required to have a taillight. In general, I think the Germans are better at surface transportation than we are.

I have a tail light on the back of my helmet and it's always on. My tail light at the back of my bike is always on. I also wear reflector bands on my ankles and wrists as well as a reflector vest.

On two occasions, motorists waiting at intersections told me they appreciate how I'm lit up like a Christmas tree.
If anybody were to remind me how my lights were on, I'd reply "Good, you can see me."

I'd have said no. My prejudice earned when motorcycling tells me drivers don't see anything anyhow. But now I've got some peer pressure telling me otherwise