To flash or not to flash

[DaveReading]

Flashing is not most likely to be seen. It's off some of the time and then it is actually invisible, rather than the mythical cyclist-invisible which daft people talk about. If flashing was better, don't you think motorists would have to use them for primary things like tail lights and not optional/occasional frippery like indicating?

Some scientists disagree.

Flashing lights will be perceived as having higher brightness than steady-burning lights, up to a flash frequency of about 15 flashes per second.

Such brightness enhancement can aid in conspicuity, and several rear lighting systems have been designed to have a flash rate between 5 and 9 flashes per second in order to maximize their perceived brightness.

Rear Lighting Configurations for Winter Maintenance Vehicles

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Thanks, if you have any more advice about cycling on roads you don't know surrounded by motorists who you don't know (think very inbred) please let me know.

You're very welcome.

I can recommend a good publication, which gives some good tips about driving and cycling, no matter what part of the country you live.

 

[classic33]

You're very welcome.

I can recommend a good publication, which gives some good tips about driving and cycling, no matter what part of the country you live.

Not this one?

 

[Racing roadkill]

I like at least one flasher on the back as they single you out as a cyclist. A single steady red could be any number of things ie a distant traffic light ,distant motorcycle etc. They may not realise until very close that you are a cyclist not far in front of them.
.

https://www.brainybikelights.com/

You'd be amazed how well this actually works.

 

[winjim]

View attachment 371458

https://www.brainybikelights.com/

You'd be amazed how well this actually works.

If your bike meets the legal requirements with respect to pedal reflectors then you should be easily identifiable as a cyclist, even at a distance. There is no need for this nonsense.

 

[Simontm]

The one thing I ask for as a cyclist is for oncoming cyclist to have their lights pointed at the road. It's bad enough out there during winter without getting blinded by someone not pointing their lights down.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

View attachment 371458

https://www.brainybikelights.com/

You'd be amazed how well this actually works.

There's a guy on my commute who uses one of these. By the time I got close enough to discern that it displayed the image of a bicycle, I had long since been able to identify the brand of cycling shorts he had on.

 

[Racing roadkill]

If your bike meets the legal requirements with respect to pedal reflectors then you should be easily identifiable as a cyclist, even at a distance. There is no need for this nonsense.

Have you tried it?

Thought not.

 

[Tim Hall]

View attachment 371458

https://www.brainybikelights.com/

You'd be amazed how well this actually works.

Did you have problems from being hit from behind before you tried it?

 

[winjim]

Have you tried it?

Thought not.

I have not tried "it". I have tried "not it" and found that to be perfectly satisfactory. There is not a problem that exists which that light would solve.

 

[davidphilips]

Have to show a picture of a cheap light thats sold on a well known auction site and totally useless, 2 Laser+ 5 LED Flashing Lamp Light Rear Cycling Bicycle.

Was given one tried it out and it must be the worst bike light i have ever seen or used i would not even keep one as a spare not worth the price of a battery to even test one.

 

[classic33]

Have to show a picture of a cheap light thats sold on a well known auction site and totally useless, 2 Laser+ 5 LED Flashing Lamp Light Rear Cycling Bicycle.

Was given one tried it out and it must be the worst bike light i have ever seen or used i would not even keep one as a spare not worth the price of a battery to even test one.

Cost a £1

 

[winjim]

Have to show a picture of a cheap light thats sold on a well known auction site and totally useless, 2 Laser+ 5 LED Flashing Lamp Light Rear Cycling Bicycle.

Was given one tried it out and it must be the worst bike light i have ever seen or used i would not even keep one as a spare not worth the price of a battery to even test one.

Oh yeah. I got blocked from commenting on their facebook after I told them what I thought about that light.

Well maybe not that exact light but a similar one with the stupid laser beam thing.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Did you have problems from being hit from behind before you tried it?

Yes. I had my doubts about it, but it really does seem to do something to people's psyche that actually makes them think, and go wider and slower.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I have seen so many motorists parked on the pavement I have come to the conclusion they couldnt judge distance on a tape measure placed in front of them. Flashing or non flashing it is all too much for many...