Commuting - Blinded By The Light

I had to drive to work this morning and as I did, I realized that the sun has now shifted it's position in the sky to an unfavorable one for my commute. For the general direction of my ride in to work, the sun would be directly in the eyes of all vehicles approaching me from the rear. I drove the same route to work as I normally cycle and I couldn't see but about 5 feet in front of my car for most of the trip [er- maybe I just need some Windex]. This has me a little concerned, as of course I don't want to be drop kicked into that big velodrome in the sky by some tardy cage pilot with no sunglasses and a lead foot. Is there anything additional one can do to counter this effect and make one's self more visible to motorists in this situation? Does anyone else share this concern?

Take a different route if you can where there aren't long stretches into the sun.

Sometimes, the critical period is very short. You might avoid the worst glaring period by delaying your ride by 10-15 minutes... or by doing it 10-15 minutes early. If you have a good connection with God, ask for clouds during your ride. </humour>

Wearing high-visibility vestments may help, especially just out of the most critical period. Reflective clothing, a highway-worker vest, or even clothing that contrasts with the background would help.

Finally, as others have suggested, using a different route is another solution. Whether you select a route with less traffic or one with a slightly different orientation... or one with plenty of escape routes so you can go in the ditch without killing yourself...

Regards,

Maybe the best thing is an extrememly bright, annoying strobe (temporarily, until the "window" of sun-blindness is over.)

I've moved all to often in my life, but one thing that I've always tried to do is avoid living west of where I was going to work. I don't feel safe when bike commuting into a low angle sun. With a standard day shift job you can avoid riding into the sun from any direction but west of where you work.

Niterider high-powered rear taillight wouldn't hurt, if you need an excuse to splurge on such a goodie. They have about as much punch as a car's center brake light, plus they flash about 15 times per second.

I have to wonder about the use of bright lights to make yourself more visible against a bright background. You might achieve the opposite efect. Let us not forget that the Allies used the standard trick of placing lights all over their planes so they could attack submarines from out of the Sun. I also question the wisdom of daytime running lamps for this very reason.

Originally posted by khuon
.... I also question the wisdom of daytime running lamps for this very reason. The reason day runner lights work is due to the "hey look at the dumb@ss with his lights on" factor. People are quicker to spot something they can b1tch about.

Originally posted by khuon
I have to wonder about the use of bright lights to make yourself more visible against a bright background. You might achieve the opposite efect. Let us not forget that the Allies used the standard trick of placing lights all over their planes so they could attack submarines from out of the Sun. I also question the wisdom of daytime running lamps for this very reason.
This would be a camoflauge effect, blending into your environment.

Perhaps a flashing light would not be a good camoflauge.

I try to wear helmet/clothing with sharply contrasting colors such as Yellow/Black, Orange/Black, etc. The more unnatural the color / color combination, the better.

In my case I am headed East going home and I noticed that drivers in vehicles making a turn towards the East/West from perpendicular (North/South) side streets were having more difficulty seeing me (this is between 6 and 7 PM) as they are temporarily blinded by the setting sun when they look my way at intersections specially those without stop lights.

It also appears drivers looking into the sunset have more difficulty gauging the speed at which I am approaching so I am even more careful this time of the year when approaching intersections.

To further increase my visibility, I also put on reflectorized bands around my socks. 2 accidents vs vehicles in my 7 years of bike commuting have taught me that you can never be too careful. Both accidents happened at dusk while I was on my way home.

Cyclocommuter,

You look fantastic!

:D