It’s dark = lights

Our Community Forums Commuters It’s dark = lights

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  • #915988
    creadinger
    Participant

    This is the wrong crowd to write this to, because I know none of us is suicidal and lights have been discussed ad nauseum. Usually the problem is that people’s lights are too bright right? Anyway I feel like this needs to be said, just in case you may know somebody, and because it’s completely insane.

    Since it is now dark until 7am or so – If you’re riding your bike in the dark, use some LIGHTS please!

    Specifically, I’ve driven along MacArthur Blvd some mornings lately between Foxhall and Dana Pl and I see multiple people on bikes with no lights at all. These are busy roads on weekday mornings! I’d like to stop my car and get out to tell them that if they get hit they’ll have absolutely ZERO argument for insurance claims or whatever because they’re frickin invisible. But I can’t imagine that going over well. I expect this behavior from raccoons and deer, but not humans who want to avoid being hit by even the most careful drivers. When I’m on foot, I’ll sometimes call out – “get some lights please” as they zip by, but that’s about all you can say. And some have headphones on anyway.

    Is it worth trying to get the local news media to make single sentence statements during traffic reports, about cyclists using lights in the dark? It is the law yes? I feel like little PSAs could make a difference in the long run. I think drivers would agree it’s a good idea as well.

Viewing 4 replies - 76 through 79 (of 79 total)
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  • #1016537
    Greenbelt
    Participant

    I use a Light and Motion vis 360 for deer spotting on the trails. Very useful.

    #1016619
    Alcova cyclist
    Participant

    I was torn about getting a helmet light (this thread was started by me: http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?7726-Not-another-lighting-thread!!-This-time-it-s-helmet-mounts), but got the L&M 360 and first started using it about 10 days ago (paired with an old NightRider handlebar mount). I love it. The beam is steadier than a handlebar mount and points exactly where I want it with zero effort. I can see ahead on a dark trail with a sharp turn. The biggest benefit in my mind is that when I am on the road and a traffic ramp comes in from the side I can turn my head and have a reasonable expectation the driver will see me. Those types of intersections always scared me a bit at night because the car’s headlights aren’t pointing at me, and my lights weren’t pointing at them. Now they are.

    As far as politeness, it’s much easier to turn my head slightly to keep the beam out of an approaching rider’s eyes than it is adjusting my handlebar mount. I am also able to keep my handlebar light pointed much lower since I am using the helmet light to scan ahead. I ride with it flashing on roads (including daytime) and steady on trails – low if possible, but sometimes I need the brighter light (still only 120 lumens)

    FWIW, I got the 360 and not the 360+. The headlight is plenty bright for me (I think the “plus” has twice the lumens). The “plus” also lets you turn off the rear flasher separately from the headlight – not worth the extra $80 or so to me.

    #1016620
    Powerful Pete
    Participant

    Thank you, all useful bits. I think I will go with a helmet mounted light, despite some contraindications, as I think the added passive safety provided by a helmet mounted light outweighs the risks of adding more bits and weight to the head.

    Will look into the L&M 360 system…

    #1020368
    Powerful Pete
    Participant

    A big thank you to all who contributed to the thread and especially those suggesting the L&M 360 as an option. I have now been using the L&M 360 setup on my helmet and absolutely adore the added visibility that it affords me in my after-dark riding.

    Has made my evening commute a lot more fun and [almost] stress free. By halfway through my first ride I did not notice the small additional weight penalty… all good!

    The product is highly recommended…

Viewing 4 replies - 76 through 79 (of 79 total)
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