Flashing front lights on early morning rides

[Patchelicious]

Unnecessary extra weight!

 

Why spend R100k on a light weight race machine and then add ballast! And besides, a big light on a nice aero bar looks stupid.

 

The extra 300g could be the difference between 2nd place or a Strava KOM.

 

#priorities

[Patchelicious]

There is only so much evasive action you can take when a car pulls into your lane at the last moment. It does not guarantee that you will be able to avoid an impact.

 

Yes a visible rear light is very important but to say that cyclist aren't in any real danger from oncoming cars is just not accurate. Think about the oncoming car that wants to turn right at an intersection. That car will have to cross your path and if your not visible he/she will think it's safe to proceed which could have devastating consequences. 

That is not what he said.

[Dexter-morgan]

I rode next to a Highway over the weekend and my flashing light lit up the highway signs, must have looked very wicked to other people, I was on a downhill so my light was not too high.

[carbon29er]

There is only so much evasive action you can take when a car pulls into your lane at the last moment. It does not guarantee that you will be able to avoid an impact.

 

Yes a visible rear light is very important but to say that cyclist aren't in any real danger from oncoming cars is just not accurate. Think about the oncoming car that wants to turn right at an intersection. That car will have to cross your path and if your not visible he/she will think it's safe to proceed which could have devastating consequences. 

 

Statistically cyclists are more at risk from behind. in excess of 80%. Yes front accidents do also occur but in 100% of cases the cyclist CAN SEE what is unfolding.

 

Both lights are important. But as you don't want to understand I'll repeat what I said: I often see bright flashing white lights on bicycles with NO or INADEQUATE rear lights. If you are going to spend the cash on the flash at least look after your back too.

 

As I live near Suikerbossie I both drive and ride it often. In the early mornings the white light flashers are in full force with little or no rear lights. 

 

Just yesterday afternoon this vehicle 007 WP almost made me soil my bibshort he came past so noisily then immediately braked to avoid hitting the car in front of him. Not sure how a bright flashing white light on my front would have helped me. This type of driving on a well known bicycle route.  And why I choose to be highly visible when I cycle.

 

https://youtu.be/34xfizg8hIQ

[Hennie VR]

That is not what he said.

 

 

For one, the cyclist using a front bright flashing light to be seen by oncoming motorists is not in any danger from those motorists as they are in separate lanes going in opposite directions.

 

The real danger comes from behind, not the front.

 

 

This is not how I understood his comment but ok.

[Fat Boab]

Unnecessary extra weight!

 

Why spend R100k on a light weight race machine and then add ballast! And besides, a big light on a nice aero bar looks stupid.

 

The extra 300g could be the difference between 2nd place or a Strava KOM.

 

#priorities

 

An illuminating comment......

[eccc whippet]

Unnecessary extra weight!

 

Why spend R100k on a light weight race machine and then add ballast! And besides, a big light on a nice aero bar looks stupid.

 

The extra 300g could be the difference between 2nd place or a Strava KOM.

 

#priorities

and why waste all that money on black kit and ride a black bike ...if you gona use a light

[Fat Boab]

and why waste all that money on black kit and ride a black bike ...if you gona use a light

 

What every ninja cyclist needs.....a black light!

[Fat Boab]

I like the idea of blue lights. Imagine a whole group with blue lights... you'd look like a minister!

 

I think someone need to make flashy barplug lights.... 1 red 1 blue. As isetech said, then you can look like the police! And drunk drivers will DEFINITELY avoid you.

 

Go the whole...hog?

 

http://policebikestore.com/lights.htm

[Patchelicious]

What every ninja cyclist needs.....a black light!

An Sworks one!!

 

Holy moly, I know what's going on my Xmas wish list!!

[NelAndre]

I use a flashy red one on the back, and teo up front: a white flashy that I got in a trailseeker pack and a steady wide beam up aimed low and I turn that off when it gets light enough to ride without it.

 

Dunno if the white flashy is even visible with the steady one on.

 

Anyone ever used that reflective spray? I reckon a couple spots on your rims would do wonders for side visibility but no idea about the effects on breaking surface. Alternatively on the fork and rear triangle.

Whaaaaat? Spray paint on your bike? Good Lord!

[DJR]

Whaaaaat? Spray paint on your bike? Good Lord!

Reflective tape on the rims work extremely well. (Most wheel decals nowadays are reflective) You buy it from plastics places like Maizeys' http://www.maizey.co.za and design & cut funky "look faster" designs and stick them on. You will be much more visible from the sides where your lights are not pointing. It does very little for visibility from the front or the back though.

[NelAndre]

Reflective tape on the rims work extremely well. (Most wheel decals nowadays are reflective) You buy it from plastics places like Maizeys' http://www.maizey.co.za and design & cut funky "look faster" designs and stick them on. You will be much more visible from the sides where your lights are not pointing. It does very little for visibility from the front or the back though.

Good suggestion thanks.

[DJR]

Good suggestion thanks.

The coolest one I have seen was at a Moonlight Mass ride. The guy did a Zebra design in white reflective tape on white rims. It was hardly visible....until you shined a light on it. Then it lit up like a Christmas tree! And it was a cool artwork too! 

[eccc whippet]

Patch there is hope...black reflectors (grey ...almost black[emoji12])

 

 

 

 

 

You can ride in stealth mode...until someone shines a light on you [emoji876]

[Uni]

I encounter quite a few cyclist - solo and groups along Linksfield in the mornings when I'm heading to gym  - the flashing lights is great IMO - distinguishes them easily from afar from cars.