Low sun angle

[Greenbelt]

As the days shorten quickly this time of year, I’ve noticed lots of drivers and cyclists having trouble with the sun on East-West streets. In late September, the sun is low on the horizon in both the morning and evening commute hours, and often still very bright. Plus, the angle is changing so fast, that even regular commuters on their normal routes seem to be surprised by turning a corner and getting suddenly blinded.

Remember, if you’re blinded by the sun, the driver behind you probably is too! And likewise, if you see your long shadow directly in front of you, the driver heading toward you going the opposite direction is probably blinded by the sun and can’t see you!

In my opinion, especially important these days to run blinky lights even though it’s not dark, and wear good high vis colors and be extra “defensive” out there on the commute when the sun is low, even on “nice, sunny” days!

Topic

[mstone]

@consularrider 65693 wrote:

The W&OD and the eastern end of the 4MRT are even worse since there is less tree cover.

I have less of an issue on W&OD because you don’t have that same contrast issue. (You can be on a hill, looking into the sun, with the people ahead in complete shadow. Even if you block out the sun, daylight-adjusted eyes have trouble in the darkness.) Also, curves narrow lanes no shoulders crazy hills.

[Author]

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