From the other perspective

[Brandane]

Try spotting a cyclist on a rainy night in the passenger side mirror of an HGV. Then you'll know what light clutter is.

Or even a car with side lights on! From 50+ feet away I find they just blend in with all the other light clutter, then they get upset when you change lane or whatever because you simply cannot see them .

Why oh why in this day and age do cars still have side lights anyway, they serve no useful purpose. If visibility is at all restricted, then what is the matter with putting on HEADlights??

 

[Norm]

Driving with only side-lights illuminated was illegal, although the Highway Code now allows it in well-lit areas with 30mph limits.

This was brought in 20-odd years ago, and some cars started to appear with a "dim-dip" front light.

I thought that it was Europe that quashed their use but, if my understanding of this is correct, it was actually Europe which introduced it.

 

[Arch]

That said the basic principle is sound as one of the best bits of kit are those reflective straps/snap wraps around the ankle, those I see instantly & from a long way off regardless of where the rider is.

I have one I got in the pound shop, a velcro/elasticated trouser band with 4 LEDs in it, powered by a single button battery and with steady or flash options. The LEDs end up around the ankle, so there's side visibility as well as rear, plus the ankle motion. For a quid. I keep looking to see if they have more, I wish I'd bought a fiver's worth when they had them.

And of course, it keeps my trouser leg out of the chain.