How many lights is to many?

[tyred]

Dynamo light back and front. Don't feel the need for anything extra.

 

[biggs682]

i use main 2 lights on bars , a small flashing light on helmet and 1 rear light on either flash or constant mode

and a hiviz with built in 6 x white leds and 6 red leds

nothing wrong with wanting to be seen

 

[vernon]

This chap would have considered the lighting described to be inadequate...

 

[Accy cyclist]

I reckon too many lights gives off a i'm a bit wobbly and vulnerable message which makes some vehicles give you a wide birth, but it also attracts any idiots on the pavement looking for a confrontation.

 

[PaulSecteur]

How many is too many... depends where Im riding.

A cross town ride has one main front and rear (with a spare of each in case of failure) and small front and rear helmet lights.

When I used to have to go through Cannock chase at 4.30am then it was 2 mains, one for close to mid range and one for longer range, an exposure blaze on constant with a flare pulsing on the rear. Helmet light is an exposure Diablo with the rear light attachment.

You can tell me that's too much if you want, but I will put my fingers in my ears and go "LA - LA - LA CANT HEAR YOU!!!"

I should caveat that with I believe im considerate and will aim my helmet light away from oncoming traffic and also cover the long range one with my hand to avoid dazzle. the rears always stay bright as there are some boy racers and I feel safer putting a lot of light out when they approach fast on blind bends.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I use 3 for night time mtb..2 for near and far on the bars and a helmet light for direction changes..its bloody amaizing when there all on full

 

[fossyant]

Don't really matter for me now, the only night riding I will be doing is MTB off roads, so bigger the better.

Never commuting into Manchester ever again. Need a job in the countryside.

 

[adamangler]

one on front one on back, no reflectors, but i dont go out in dark, tried it once and much prefer the turbo

 

[Smurfy]

No more than six. Four on the bike (two front and two rear so that you always have a backup), and a front and rear on the helmet if you feel like it.

 

[mjr]

I reckon too many lights gives off a i'm a bit wobbly and vulnerable message which makes some vehicles give you a wide birth, but it also attracts any idiots on the pavement looking for a confrontation.

I reckon too many lights detracts from the pedal reflectors, plus it makes motorists look at you too much and most motorists steer at what they look at... you might as well paint a target on your back. One good non dazzling rear light with a large illuminated area is best.

 

[mjr]

Yes but you did everything in your power to make yourself as visible as possible, it wasn't your fault the driver wasn't paying attention.

Which I suspect is precisely no comfort

 

[RoubaixCube]

2 lights on main bar - One constant, one strobe
1 helmet light - I dont always have this on, it depends on the amount of traffic on the road. If there is a lot of traffic then i'll have it set to low or medium (its an 80lm light) just so i dont blind everyone i look at.
2 tail lights - one attached to my bag while the other is on my seat post or attached to my pannier rack. One of these lights used to be attached to my helmet but took it off and attached it to my bag.

 

[flake99please]

I had 7 on my bike (4 front, 3 rear), and I was knocked off by a driver who performed a u-turn in the road. All the lights & hi-viz clothing in the world won't save you from becoming an accident statistic if a driver isn't paying proper attention.

 

[raleighnut]

Similar here, I run 2 Electron lamps on the front (powered by a battery pack) and a couple of 'opticube' Cateyes and at the rear at least 2 Cateyes 1 on constant, 1 flashing. If I'm wearing a rucksack (not that often) I'll stick a small light on that as well.

 

[tyred]

This chap would have considered the lighting described to be inadequate...

Help, I can't see behind me!