Originally Posted by
Spoonrobot
There's no good reason for strobes on a MUP, users of such fall into the following categories:
1. Was riding on the road and forgot to turn off when they got on the MUP
2. Use strobes 24/7 as a magic talisman to ward off any and all bad things that can happen to cyclists
3. "Look at me" pea-cocking
Users who should have strobes on the MUP:
1. Small children
2. Dogs
3. Pedestrians practicing drunkard's walk interpretive locomotion
It was pointed out to me by someone elsewhere that a small strobe or light helps him see riders rider approaching in the shade while he is in the sun. He is an older guy, probably more that 60 and wears glasses.
At 55 and effectively blind in one eye, I had to concede his point. Similarly, he conceded that there is a point, like everything else in life, where it becomes overkill.
Everyone wants to turn everything into a binary argument, intrinsic evil vs the beatific vision. I think there is room to compromise, even if the compromise isn't exactly as we would have it.
FWIW, I got on the trail last Saturday and forgot to turn off my L&M Urban 900 which was set on low/pulse. I rode several miles with some of the MACC guys until one asked me what kind of light it was - probably a polite way to suggest that I turn it off. Doh!
-Tim-