Bogey Speedwell

I would be afraid I would become reliant on it and it would numb my senses. Similarly like my dependency on spellcheck I believe has diminished my spelling skills.

I believe your supposed to check a your rearview mirror in a car every 10 ish seconds, wouldn’t the same practice be applied to riding bikes?

im not opposed and my wife wants one so I’ll get her on and see how she likes it.

asgelle

Except as for as I know, a vehicle has to clear the intersection before the light turns red so any video showing the bike in the intersection with a red light behind it would be proof of a violation.

Steve B.

I’m 2 weeks or so in a Varia 715. I got the camera version as I ride alone a lot and figured good to have a recording of that numbnut that rear ends me. In use, it’s very good at what it needs to do, tells you there are vehicles coming up behind you. It shows you how many vehicles, something I was not expecting and find very, very useful. It’s much better than a mirror, also shows you relative speed and in time you get to know the timing of the pass. I have been riding 35 years and while it’s almost a game changer, I could also continue without it. But, it is reliable and you do really know if it’s safe to move over to make a left turn. I am glad I made the investment. My riding buddies like it as well as they see the flash start when in Peloton mode, so they too get a warning, though they can hear the audible alerts, while I, being pretty deaf, cannot.

tomato coupe

That is incorrect.

asgelle

I don't have time to go through every state, but at least in Texas being in the intersection with a red light is a violation. https://kubosh.com/traffic-tickets/m...t%20in%20Texas.

"Is running a yellow light illegal in Texas?

"Running a yellow light is not strictly prohibited in Texas. Instead, a yellow light is just a warning that the light is about to change to red. There is no grace period when the light turns red, so a driver should heed the warning to stop for a yellow light in Texas."

tomato coupe

Still incorrect. From the same link:

asgelle

You need help with logic. You quoted one example of running a red light. What you quote does not claim to be the only definition.

This might be illuminating, https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo...red-light.html

"Yellow signals. A yellow signal is a warning that the light will soon turn to red. But state laws differ with regard to what drivers must do when approaching a yellow light. In some states, drivers can still enter and pass through an intersection when facing a yellow signal. So long as the vehicle's front wheels pass the limit line on the nearest side of the intersection prior to the light turning red, the driver can continue through the intersection without violating the law. However, some states prohibit drivers from entering the intersection after the light has switched to yellow. In these states, the vehicle's front wheels must pass the near limit line prior to the light turning yellow. Otherwise, the driver can get a ticket for running the light."

tomato coupe

My logic is just fine, thank you. Your quoted paragraph addresses the latest time at which a car can enter an intersection -- it does not directly address the question at hand, which is what happens if the light turns red while a vehicle is in the intersection. By omission, however, it is not a red light violation as long as the above entrance requirements are met.

NVFlinch 

Easy. No failure of comprehension on this end. To wit: Video shows you NOT stopping, and the backside of a stop sign. Ditto a red light and the line of traffic you just cruised past when they were stopped, and you will have to explain in court why it was not red when you ran it. Also, no one said the cameras were limited to rear mount only. Many have forward looking cameras on the bars or helmets. You do you though, film at 11:00..

Polaris OBark

The video cam one gets mixed reviews. Check DCRainmaker's website for details.

njkayaker

No.

That isn’t the purpose of the radar. The purpose is more for “don’t move” (to the left).

rsbob 

Get the radar, and like the others have said, but mute the warning tone until you get out of the busy streets. I find it invaluable to tell me who many vehicles are behind and when it’s clear - then I will verify with my eyes. The one time I forgot to pack it for a remote ride, I felt naked or like riding in a car without a seatbelt. Once you get one, you will wonder how you got along without it.

SoSmellyAir

My apologies. I had not realized that the RCT-715 allows a continuous recording mode until perusing the manual in detail. That said, this thread is about radars; I read cameras in that context.

bruce19

I ride in generally rural areas and I am totally sold on my Garmin Varia.

MikeDeason

I can see it in rural. Very busy everywhere here and where it’s not, there’s no cars.

NVFlinch 

This reminds me of the "False Negative" aspect: that is, the radar NOT showing a car when there is one. Several times I've noticed a car behind me keeping pace with my speed, and the radar does not show it. This is noted in the Garmin literature, and is not a defect. The radar only works when objects have a closing speed difference. That said, I've never had a false positive - failure to detect a moving car.

Like Eric sez, always confirm with the eyes.

Atlas Shrugged

Great, your mind is made up! The vast majority of users find value in their radar units. You may be the rare exception who does not see the merit. If you have purchased one, the resale value is very strong, and if not, nothing is lost.

Eric F 

If you have concluded that it won't be helpful for you, don't get one. So far, in the many threads about the topic, I don't recall anyone commenting that they tried using radar and found it unhelpful.

I ride primarily in the suburban sprawl of Los Angeles, which sometimes includes riding on streets with heavy traffic. I find radar to be very useful to increase my awareness of what's happening behind me in ways that exceed the abilities of my other senses.

Eric F 

Hmmm...I haven't noticed that one yet, but I guess that makes sense, based on how radar works.

Polaris OBark

I can confirm that this is true.

If someone is following you at your speed, for example, politely waiting to pass legally, the signal will disappear.

Eric F 

Good to know.

rsbob 

I was overtaking a rider who has Varia. Could tell by the distinctive bright flash pattern - note:never look directly at the LED when flashing. I have made that mistake a couple of times. Anyway, when I did overtake the guy, he said, “I thought you were a car”. That is a testament to how sensitive the radar is.

But it does sound like the OP had his mind made-up before posting. Makes me wonder why? Plenty of compelling arguments ‘for’ but they are obviously disregarded.

MikeDeason

Have not concluded anything just trying to determine if it will be worth the extra assumed battery drain. Cars are like maggots on a carcass here

Eric F 

If increased battery drain is your concern, you're looking for excuses. These are rechargeable devices.

MikeDeason

Yea but I need charge it more often. More work. Is there gain? Not convinced in urban setting if it will just get ignored. Bike shop may let me try one when I go in for longer stem if they have it still