Originally Posted by
dougmc
They make the bike more visible.
I would agree that having a flashing or steady red light up front is likely to confuse somebody about if you're coming or going, but I also imagine it's better than nothing. (Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing some tail lights made that emit white light, like white Planet Bike Super Flash -- that would be good for front mounting to be seen during the day, and as a supplemental "see me" light at night. Planet Bike does make a PBSF that's all white -- but it still emits red light.)
As for why these folk go for a red tail light up front rather than a white light ... got me. Still, it's better than the nothing that many go with, so I don't give them any grief over it.
Here's the grief I'd give 'em: Red light in front is "better than nothing," sure, but it's a false choice. Plenty of cheap front flashing white LED lights on the market. I wouldn't want a pedestrian (or car) pulling in front of me thinking I was heading the other way.