Daytime Lights: Best Thing I Ever Did
09-27-19, 08:00 AM
#26
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09-27-19, 10:28 AM
#27
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Jim, I have no idea what you are trying to say with embedded quote after embedded quote, but the one thing that jumped out at me as wrong is “While nice, it is not essential that oncoming traffic see you, it is more important that trailing traffic see you.
Oncoming turning and crossing traffic has very little time to react to a cyclist, so it is equally important to be visible from the front and the rear.
Oncoming turning and crossing traffic has very little time to react to a cyclist, so it is equally important to be visible from the front and the rear.
In any case I initially posted to this thread started by @Papa Tom, about a similar current thread:
For anyone on the fence about whether to add daytime lights to your commuter, I just want to say that mine have added a much, much better sense of security to my rides, both to and from work. People clearly see me now and treat me like a moving vehicle, rather than just another annoying tree-hugger who's not in a car.
Don't even worry so much about WHICH headlight and tail light you buy; just do it.
Don't even worry so much about WHICH headlight and tail light you buy; just do it.
So @Papa Tom, is your [pointed] current thread actually a reply to this similar current thread,“Daytime Running Lights - Get Them! Video”? There was a lot of the theorizing, analyzing, and disputes on that one. .
Just my opinion, but as one who cycles and occasionally drives in visually complex urban conditions, I think in ambient lighting a bright pinpoint light. especially flashing, is conspicuous [incuding a rear blinkie].
Yawn. Over in the A&S forum a cyclist was hit in broad daylight with a flasher going. At very, very high speed. I am amazed they survived at all.
While nice, it is not essential that oncoming traffic see you, it is more important that trailing traffic see you, but it is even more important that you as a cyclist do not act unpredictably and force a motorist to accommodate your erratic actions. Because they may not, whether they 'see' you or not.
While nice, it is not essential that oncoming traffic see you, it is more important that trailing traffic see you, but it is even more important that you as a cyclist do not act unpredictably and force a motorist to accommodate your erratic actions. Because they may not, whether they 'see' you or not.
“The opinions expressed by @Liesesturm above do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jim from Boston, Bike Forums, or Internet Brands."
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 09-27-19 at 10:32 AM.
09-27-19, 10:59 AM
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Yeah, sorry, but the nested quotes are confusing. Much more clear to quote another poster, then put your comments under that quote. Then post another quote and then comment on that quote, etc.
09-27-19, 12:04 PM
#29
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Perhaps you noticed that I nested two of your separate posts, appearing on a different thread, to present your opinion in a connected, continuous fashion, with my commentary:
Having a bright flashing light on the front & back of your bike ought to negate the "I didn't see him" excuse somewhat.
Why couldn't you see the cyclist wearing brightly colored clothing with flashing lights on his bike?
Why couldn't you see the cyclist wearing brightly colored clothing with flashing lights on his bike?
What I mean is, a distracted driver shouldn't be able to use "I didn't see him" when the cyclist has brightly colored clothing and bright flashing lights.
I hope my daytime lights attract the attention of drivers so they know I'm there, but we all know that all too often "I didn't see him" is what they say because they weren't looking.
So I would hope that a cop would ask the driver, "WHY didn't you see them? What were you looking at which made you not see them?"…
I hope my daytime lights attract the attention of drivers so they know I'm there, but we all know that all too often "I didn't see him" is what they say because they weren't looking.
So I would hope that a cop would ask the driver, "WHY didn't you see them? What were you looking at which made you not see them?"…
I have had the experience of being hit-and-run, presumably not intentionally, but by a distracted (?inebriated) driver. The police filed charges.
The police were great, and their report at the subsequent trial was spot on and particularly noted my details for visibility, including lights and high vis vest.
The police were great, and their report at the subsequent trial was spot on and particularly noted my details for visibility, including lights and high vis vest.
…By nesting quote boxes, I indicate to the quoted subscriber(s) that I have read the post(s), reflected on the content, and extracted meaningful point(s) that I worked into a [contrived] quote chain
The quote chain allows me to quote a few subscribers [and/or myself] on one topic in one post
The quote chain allows me to quote a few subscribers [and/or myself] on one topic in one post
…Furthermore, I have documented to the reader that the topic at hand has been considered before, and the thread containing that quote, with the link, may be a source of further information.
I scroll past JFB's musings. If you are reading this, quoting me is a waste of time.
Sometimes I do too. (tldr) Other times I'll quickly find and read the "new" unquoted thoughts in the post to see what he's writing about. Either way, it's hardly difficult to deal with.
But, if he's quoted me, I'll almost always read the entire post, just because I'm curious to see where I fit in his virtual conversation.
I find a variety of posting styles makes things more interesting, even if I skip reading some of them.
But, if he's quoted me, I'll almost always read the entire post, just because I'm curious to see where I fit in his virtual conversation.
I find a variety of posting styles makes things more interesting, even if I skip reading some of them.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 09-27-19 at 04:04 PM.
09-27-19, 12:33 PM
#30
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Thanks too for your comment, and not to be flippant, but I’ve been happily post my way for over 6800 posts over more than 10 years.
Perhaps you noticed that I nested two of your separate posts, appearing on a different thread, to present your opinion in a connected, continuous fashion, with my commentary:
Perhaps you noticed that I nested two of your separate posts, appearing on a different thread, to present your opinion in a connected, continuous fashion, with my commentary:
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09-27-19, 03:38 PM
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Why not? Quote boxes are cool.
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
(from a now-closed thread) I think that the use of quote boxes, which I have not seen elsewhere is a remarkable way to graphically diagram a dialogue...
If you are not a lawyer getting paid by the word, you went into the wrong profession.
…Posting has become an avocation for me. Since my job requires writing reports, with legal implications, I consider myself a “wordsmith,” and beside the exchange of information and ideas, I enjoy the mechanics of writing, such as grammar, composition , style, etc. for that addtional mental stimulation.
Originally Posted by W.C. Fields
“If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with b..s..t.”
09-27-19, 05:14 PM
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09-27-19, 05:48 PM
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personal attacks are not allowed
09-27-19, 05:52 PM
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09-27-19, 05:54 PM
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09-27-19, 06:19 PM
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09-27-19, 07:49 PM
#37
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Jim:
Consider this an intervention. All of us who love you want to see you kick the quotes!
Now, anyway, back to the daytime light discussion...
Consider this an intervention. All of us who love you want to see you kick the quotes!
Now, anyway, back to the daytime light discussion...
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09-28-19, 05:32 AM
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09-28-19, 06:29 AM
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That-a-way, Jim. You're doing great. And my apology to rumrunn6 for dragging him into this.
Regarding the daytime lights, I only wish I had one switch to turn them both off when I arrive at work. Along with my ipod and my bluetooth speaker.
Regarding the daytime lights, I only wish I had one switch to turn them both off when I arrive at work. Along with my ipod and my bluetooth speaker.
09-28-19, 07:24 AM
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Be careful with rechargeable batteries
I use a small Cateye white LED forward during the day in the flashing mode. I don't use it at night because it is small. It runs on two AA and I use rechargeable batteries. I found that they will flash even when the battery is really low on charge. This is good in one sense since it doesn't cut out but bad in that I don't have a good sense of when to recharge. I've learned to regularly turn it on in the solid mode and examine it to know when to change the batteries.
I believe a daylight running light adds to my conspicuity and thus my safety.
I believe a daylight running light adds to my conspicuity and thus my safety.
09-28-19, 07:53 AM
#42
☢
I'm a big fan as well.
There is such a thing as TOO bright a blinkie at night. Prob less so during the day.
I just got some Bontrager Ion/Flare 200 lights that I like a lot because they change brightness automatically based on the light conditions. Also very small and light.
There is such a thing as TOO bright a blinkie at night. Prob less so during the day.
I just got some Bontrager Ion/Flare 200 lights that I like a lot because they change brightness automatically based on the light conditions. Also very small and light.
So how many lights is too many? I have one 850-lumen headlight set to steady/pulse and one 150-lumen taillight set to a delayed blink. I feel like they are perfect. At what point do you think multiple lights blinking at various speeds becomes more of a (potentially dangerous) distraction than an eye-catcher?
The medium and low are permanently mounted to my bike, while the helmet rear light is less used except for added safety when necessary.
When I use all three (only dark/low-light high-speed roads) I set them to pulse rather than flash since the random pulse of all 3 is enough to be seen but not so rapid that they become annoying or give someone vertigo.
09-28-19, 08:46 AM
#43
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I have a helmet-mounted head/tail light setup (L&M Vis 360 Pro) that I use for all of my road and MUP riding, day and night. The blinking tail light is 25 lumens and the head lamp runs between 150 lumens (steady or blinking) up to 600 lumens (steady only). I have the option to turn off the tail light, but I never do. Switching on the helmet is very convenient and I vary the intensity of the light and mode depending on light and traffic conditions.
One thing I like about this setup is that I can turn my head to direct my headlight beam away from bikers and pedestrians on the MUP, and conversely towards drivers who I want to be sure to see my presence
If a driver does something unsafe around me and I catch up to them at a stop, beaming a headlight into their brains is a good way to let them know that I care.
Particularly on bright days with comparatively dark shadows, I'm convinced that having tail lights on is essential, and head lights are a good thing too.
One thing I like about this setup is that I can turn my head to direct my headlight beam away from bikers and pedestrians on the MUP, and conversely towards drivers who I want to be sure to see my presence
If a driver does something unsafe around me and I catch up to them at a stop, beaming a headlight into their brains is a good way to let them know that I care.
Particularly on bright days with comparatively dark shadows, I'm convinced that having tail lights on is essential, and head lights are a good thing too.
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09-28-19, 09:12 AM
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Helmet Mounted DRL
In addition to bike-mounted DRL front and back, I use lights on my helmet during the day in particular situations. Both lights can be turned on and off quickly and reliably.
Forward, I have a small white LED (like current Blackburn 2fer) which I turn on as soon as I sense the possibility of a situation developing such as a left or right cross. I turn it on long before evasive maneuvers would be necessary.
Front white LED (like Blackburn 2fer)
My commute includes a road with adequate shoulders that pinch out in some places. I turn on my rear LED (a very bright discontinued Serfas) in flashing mode before I move into the lane. Also, when in the lane on streets without a shoulder, I’ll turn it on when I am not comfortable with the vehicle approaching me. This includes a fast closing rate or a dense group of vehicles.
Rear-facing bright Serfas (discontinued)
My rationale is that by introducing a new, eye-catching element to the visual scene I’ll catch the attention of those posing the threat and communicate to everyone around me that I’m aware a situation could develop.
Realistically, it probably helps in some situations and with some people and not with others. I think it helps my odds.
Forward, I have a small white LED (like current Blackburn 2fer) which I turn on as soon as I sense the possibility of a situation developing such as a left or right cross. I turn it on long before evasive maneuvers would be necessary.
Front white LED (like Blackburn 2fer)
My commute includes a road with adequate shoulders that pinch out in some places. I turn on my rear LED (a very bright discontinued Serfas) in flashing mode before I move into the lane. Also, when in the lane on streets without a shoulder, I’ll turn it on when I am not comfortable with the vehicle approaching me. This includes a fast closing rate or a dense group of vehicles.
Rear-facing bright Serfas (discontinued)
My rationale is that by introducing a new, eye-catching element to the visual scene I’ll catch the attention of those posing the threat and communicate to everyone around me that I’m aware a situation could develop.
Realistically, it probably helps in some situations and with some people and not with others. I think it helps my odds.
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09-28-19, 09:21 AM
#45
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What a great idea, the front and rear lights on the helmet! I'll bet this has been around for a while and that I just haven't been aware of the option. My only concern would be that "the look" is something that might encourage a wise-ass driver to want to mess with someone wearing one.
I wonder, too, how long it will be before even the brightest, flashiest bike lights start to blend into the scenery and become invisible, like day-glo shirts and orange flags.
I wonder, too, how long it will be before even the brightest, flashiest bike lights start to blend into the scenery and become invisible, like day-glo shirts and orange flags.
09-28-19, 12:24 PM
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IMO, a driver would have to be a real Neanderthal to go after an obvious bike commuter for the type of light they use, but I suppose anything is possible.
I also suppose that drivers could become indifferent to bike lights, but what is the alternative?
I also suppose that drivers could become indifferent to bike lights, but what is the alternative?
What a great idea, the front and rear lights on the helmet! I'll bet this has been around for a while and that I just haven't been aware of the option. My only concern would be that "the look" is something that might encourage a wise-ass driver to want to mess with someone wearing one.
I wonder, too, how long it will be before even the brightest, flashiest bike lights start to blend into the scenery and become invisible, like day-glo shirts and orange flags.
I wonder, too, how long it will be before even the brightest, flashiest bike lights start to blend into the scenery and become invisible, like day-glo shirts and orange flags.
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09-30-19, 12:38 PM
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Maybe she was politely suggesting they might actually be too bright. That's my opinion of many models, bright enough to be counter productive in many instances. Analogous to riding into the sun. Not necessarily a total white out but enough to be painfully distracting, and just asinine on MUPs.
If the lights annoy you good! That’s the objective
09-30-19, 12:41 PM
#48
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For anyone on the fence about whether to add daytime lights to your commuter, I just want to say that mine have added a much, much better sense of security to my rides, both to and from work. People clearly see me now and treat me like a moving vehicle, rather than just another annoying tree-hugger who's not in a car.
Don't even worry so much about WHICH headlight and tail light you buy; just do it.
Don't even worry so much about WHICH headlight and tail light you buy; just do it.
A personal nitpick: I'm not a fan of flashing lights in my face, plus there's a fair bit of evidence they are no more effective than steady (counter-intuitively, they may actually be LESS effective than steady). Please be judicious if you have to use them, especially at night.
https://averagejoecyclist.com/use-flashing-bike-lights/
https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/bic...nking-problems
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09-30-19, 12:46 PM
#49
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I was delivering evening edition newspapers in the early 60s. I had a Schwinn 3 speed with a huge front basket for holding papers. Once the days got shorter I bought a generator driven light. Talk about resistance! And it had the brightness of an old ‘C’ cell flashlight. Today’s lights are amazing
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09-30-19, 01:45 PM
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I can't make heads or tails out of them.
Jim seems like a nice guy and I think he has valid commentary to offer most of the time. But it's just too much to sort through trying to figure out post order and context and relevance on each post on the nested post threads.
As for the main topic of the thread.....
No one has ever said that a day time running flasher light made a bike LESS visible. Maybe they don't work all the time. I can see if you are coming around a corner into oncoming traffic no amount of light would help as there just wouldn't be enough time to react once the bike was in view. That stuff happens.
But having a light doesn't make you LESS visible. It can ONLY help. And 90% of the time it does make you more visible.
90% of the time (not scientific) it makes you more visible
10% of the time it doesn't help much
0% of the time it makes you less visible
That's easy math for me
Last edited by Skipjacks; 09-30-19 at 01:51 PM.
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