When are lights TOO bright?

[Eldron]

Over here lights are compulsory after dark and you risk a 800kr (R1,900) fine if you are caught without them.

 

They are now considering making lights compulsory at all times for cyclists. Makes sense to me.

 

Makes even more sense in SA where there are no bike lanes and motorists are stressed/distracted/angry/uncaring/unqualified...

 

It an easy thing to do and and Danishised Eldron wonders why he didn't ever do it in SA!

[Frosty]

In Germany lights are regulated by StVZO - Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung or German Regulations Authorising the Use of Vehicles for Road Traffic, I think these regulations make quite a lot of sense:

light-test.info/en/faq-en/169-stvzo-bike-lamps-regulations

And basically provide rules for how high and bright your lights might shine (and no flashing at night).

it’s illegal to drive with fog lights on, when there isn’t poor visibility, yet people still do it. Germans are well known for their self discipline in adhering to rules. SA, what rules? Or the Metro Police can’t be bothered.

[SwissVan]

So my 3200 lumens are a bit overkill?  

I can see potholes while cycling with my sunnies on.........  

 

Ja, when you share they road with others

 

Over here i run at night on paths that are shared with cyclists, pedistrians, Joggers, horse riders, dog Walkers...etc... no cars or motorcycles.

 

Most of the above use some form of Lights and reflectors, even the dogs have Lights on their collars and horses relfective tape... 

 

The cylists always have the brightest Lights and ineviatbly there is one whose light is so bright you cannot see anything once they get close to you and you are temporily blinded once they pass.

 

I guess they are not Aware of the effect their Lights have, they probably think they are being smart for having such a bright light.

 

Strangely I bet they dip their Lights when driving their cars at night., why should it be different when Cycling?

[The Ouzo]

Over here lights are compulsory after dark and you risk a 800kr (R1,900) fine if you are caught without them.

 

They are now considering making lights compulsory at all times for cyclists. Makes sense to me.

 

Makes even more sense in SA where there are no bike lanes and motorists are stressed/distracted/angry/uncaring/unqualified...

 

It an easy thing to do and and Danishised Eldron wonders why he didn't ever do it in SA!

Same here.

I bought them for commuting during winter, but saw the benefit of being more visible to motorists all the time, so now never leave home without them.

[Long Wheel Base]

it’s illegal to drive with fog lights on, when there isn’t poor visibility, yet people still do it. Germans are well known for their self discipline in adhering to rules. SA, what rules? Or the Metro Police can’t be bothered.

The front fog lights is not too much of an issue for me as they so low but when I am behind someone and they have the rear one on I get frustrated because it is seriously bright. 

Some manufactures have even gone and called the "fog lights" driving lights. I think this is to get away from that law. 

I think a lot of people who don't have DRL(Daytime Running Lights) use the park and fog lights for daytime lights. 

[Eldron]

The front fog lights is not too much of an issue for me as they so low but when I am behind someone and they have the rear one on I get frustrated because it is seriously bright. 

Some manufactures have even gone and called the "fog lights" driving lights. I think this is to get away from that law. 

I think a lot of people who don't have DRL(Daytime Running Lights) use the park and fog lights for daytime lights. 

 

Especially since SUVS became a thing - the rear fog lights are at eye level if you're in anything sporty!

[SwissVan]

The front fog lights is not too much of an issue for me as they so low but when I am behind someone and they have the rear one on I get frustrated because it is seriously bright. 

Some manufactures have even gone and called the "fog lights" driving lights. I think this is to get away from that law. 

I think a lot of people who don't have DRL(Daytime Running Lights) use the park and fog lights for daytime lights.

 

I drive 85km a day on the highway here early morning and early evening.

Keeping a safe following distance is an unknown concept to many drivers here.... I have on occasion used the fog lights to give tailgaters a “bugger off flash”... it works sometimes and is safer than dabbing the brakes... I suppose the drivers in front might wonder why im flashing them with the fog lights tho....

[Grease_Monkey]

Good morning Hubbers!

 

So, when are bicycle lights too bright? When your mates complain? When the car flips you off?

Compare it to your car's lights. If it is brigther than your standard light (non brights) it is too bright and you are gonna get the same reaction from cars you likely give to cars when they have their brights on.

 

Also, check the angle. Bike don't go fast, you don't need to see 100m ahead of you. And for f's sake, don't put your lights on flash - that's just stupid.

[ChrisF]

....

 

 

And for f's sake, don't put your lights on flash - that's just stupid.

In the dark .... yes, use a constant beam

 

 

Riding at dawn or during the day .... a flashing light is more effective. Though you dont need a blinding light for this !

[Broodryk]

When the rider in front of you receives a sunburn from them.

[Grease_Monkey]

In the dark .... yes, use a constant beam

 

 

Riding at dawn or during the day .... a flashing light is more effective. Though you dont need a blinding light for this !

Yup, should've added - in the dark. Someone needs to tell the police that as well - they just sit there on the side of the road at 11PM with flashing lights. I am surprised it hasn't caused any accidents.

[Long Wheel Base]

I drive 85km a day on the highway here early morning and early evening.

Keeping a safe following distance is an unknown concept to many drivers here.... I have on occasion used the fog lights to give tailgaters a “bugger off flash”... it works sometimes and is safer than dabbing the brakes... I suppose the drivers in front might wonder why im flashing them with the fog lights tho....

So my old bakkie has front fog lights but no rear ones. My wifes car is a lot newer and you can select just front or just back or both. I won't lie, I have also rear "light checked" okes sitting on my bumper before(in her car, can't in mine). I actually think that is the only time her fog lights have ever been used.

Edited February 19, 2021 by Long Wheel Base