Constant or flashing front light?

[jig-sore]

From a driver's perspective (and I'll admit I'm only an occasional one, especially in the dark) I've always found flashing front lights freak me out, because the intermittent light makes it impossible to place the cyclist in one's field of view. Perhaps it's because of how bright lights are these days, but they confuse and dazzle far more than static ones (and, indeed, flashing rear red ones that seem to be OK), so I'd never use them myself.

mmm, interesting comment.

personally i find that a flashing front light on a bike makes it very visible even in the day time. very similar to the way motorcyclist keep their headlights on during the day. in fact you can't actually turn the headlight off on my motorbike

 

[Easytigers]

That seems like a serious setup jig-sore! Might now have to go back to the wife again and tell her that one more set of lights might not be good enough and need to add to it

Does anyone know a good divorce lawyer!!!

 

[jig-sore]

That seems like a serious setup jig-sore! Might now have to go back to the wife again and tell her that one more set of lights might not be good enough and need to add to it

Does anyone know a good divorce lawyer!!!

on my hybrid (which im now back on for commuting) i can hang the flashers under the bar like this...

it helps to separate and spread the lights.

looks like this in the dark...

i think anyone who commutes on un-lit roads should invest in the best lights they can afford. i like another hope one day, although i think the tech has improved in the last couple of years and there are others out there that can offer as much as the hope for around the same price. something to look into

 

[Tyke]

I have no idea how anyone can use a flashing front light. I've tried and it drives me mad.

I agree with that at night but use 2 front flashing in daylight when filtering in traffic and have had comments from drivers about how they stand out in the mirrors of cars.

 

[hennbell]

I use a $2 flashing light only in emergencies got constant light every other time. Essentially flashing light to let others know I am there constant light so I can see.

 

[Bromptonaut]

+1

A single lashing light makes it very easy for even a careful driver to misjudge your position

I too find it very difficult to judge the speed and track of a flashing light. The Boris Bikes are unlikley to be doing breakneck speeds but intermingling with them in busy junctions needs careful observation.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Like others use two lights on the back plus two lights on the front, one set on flashing and one set constant whilst under street lighting, on unlit roads all on constant.

 

[Easytigers]

Just thought I'd better check...does anyone know if there is anything in the statutes about it? Can't imagine there is being as there seems to be an eclectic mix of people using flashing and constant but as I cycle past a police station on my daily commute I thought it might be wise to check (although drivers do seem to speed past there every day!!!).
Russ

 

[subaqua]

one flashing with one constant on the front and the same at the rear. supplemented by little led flashers attached to the zip on my water/windproof which i only wear in the late autumn to early spring. which is when its dark on my commute.

I might need to get a new rear as the current one is playing up somewhat.any advice for a good one that can rapidly be moved across 2 -3 bikes.

 

[middleagecyclist]

The best thing to do is to have 4 lights, 2x front and 2x rear. Then one of each is on flash and the other on steady. This way you get the best of both worlds.

+1

I use a SON driven Schmidt Edelux front light with a B&M Toplight rear light both on night and day, and then complement these in the dark with a Cateye Single Shot front light and a Smart Polar rear light both on strobe. Works a treat!

 

[BentMikey]

Just thought I'd better check...does anyone know if there is anything in the statutes about it? Can't imagine there is being as there seems to be an eclectic mix of people using flashing and constant but as I cycle past a police station on my daily commute I thought it might be wise to check (although drivers do seem to speed past there every day!!!).
Russ

Flashing LED lights are perfectly legal nowadays. The actual regulations are complex, confusing, and not quite appropriate, but if you have working lights you're very unlikely to get grief over that.

Mind you, I've had a few people complaining my lights (and AirZound too) are illegal, mostly through annoyance that a bicycle could have the temerity to be so bright and loud, almost as much as a car. That's just not allowed.

 

[jig-sore]

to be honest i think most policemen/women would be happy that you just had lights. anyone coming past with two lights front and rear is not going to be at the top of their priority list when it comes to stopping peeps.

 

[biggs682]

i use 1 flashing and 1 on constant , with same on back

 

[biking_fox]

Flashing LED lights are perfectly legal nowadays. The actual regulations are complex, confusing, and not quite appropriate, but if you have working lights you're very unlikely to get grief over that.

Quoted For Truth


If you're only ever in streetlight roads then one flashing front is acceptible (aided by reflective taping) - but I always have a 2nd light plus a change of batteries for both - few bike lights (although they're getting better) seem to be built for any kind of durability, they will need replacing every couple of years.

If you're going onto unlit roads / cycling on dark wet mist then you need every lumin you can lay your hands on. Constant beam is the only way to see.

Back - two flashers as above.

 

[benb]

on my hybrid (which im now back on for commuting) i can hang the flashers under the bar like this...

I like it. Have you got a link to the handlebar extension?