Commuting - How many blinkies do YOU use on your commuter? :)

Enquiring minds want to know! :) Is more better in the real world? Anyone commented on your commuter's blinkies? Pics of your setups? Should blinkies be considered addictive? :)

Three. Two red on the back, with batteries charged at different times, and one green one on the front for when I dont want the eye burner on, or for emergency if the eye burner's battery goes flat.

a

My mountain-commuter was usually going around with three in back (LD1000, LD500 and NiteRider) and two amber Nashbar ones facing sideways in front, and my touring bike was usually using two in back (Nova and NiteRider), so I'm going to vote 5 and 2. Although now my commute is really short. :(

I guess my helmet blinkie could count too.

Oh, and pic of the mountain-commuter doing that commuting thang... sort of...

http://freepages.thesecretlabs.com/~mechbgon/commute/hangman2.jpg

Oddly I've done more night-time riding than day-time but I haven't been at this for so long.

Cateye LD-1000 mounted to rack
Cateye LD-600 ziptied to a seat bag
Knog Frog ziptied to helmet
Cateye EL-400 & EL-530 strapped to handlebars

3M black reflective tape across sides of fenders, frame, seat bag
white reflective tape all over helmet

i actually keep it on whichever bag i'm riding with. but the answer is still one.

This time of year 1 front, 1 rear. Later in the year I'll add another in the back.

1, just 1 big humongous one. :p

1 x Cateye x 5 LED. On fixed mode. Why anything else?

1 x Cateye x 5 LED. On fixed mode. Why anything else?In case it fails, or the batteries run down, or you need more visibility due to nasty traffic? Just some possible reasons. Or... maybe they're addictive! :D Naw...

In case it fails, or the batteries run down, or you need more visibility due to nasty traffic? Just some possible reasons. Or... maybe they're addictive! :D Naw...

Oh, it doesn't mean just switched on? I s-e-e-e-e-e-e.

Well, one switched on to solid mode, an identical one underneath switched off but there as a back-up in case. And often a third, somewhere in a bag, and a Cateye 3 x LED, just in case the just-in-case one also fails. :D

But I see no point in blinkies blinking and more that one good light on the bike at a time.

Oh, it doesn't mean just switched on? I s-e-e-e-e-e-e.

Well, one switched on to solid mode, an identical one underneath switched off but there as a back-up in case. And often a third, somewhere in a bag, and a Cateye 3 x LED, just in case the just-in-case one also fails. :D

But I see no point in blinkies blinking and more that one good light on the bike at a time.That's cool :) I like the blinking because I think it tends to catch people's eye. When you're competing with tons of vehicle lights all doing steady-burn, a blinking light might stand out better than just another steady light (I ride mostly in the city where there can be a lot of lights competing with mine).

That's cool :) I like the blinking because I think it tends to catch people's eye.

That's a valid point, but one also needs to be concerned with the number of drunks on the road at any given time. I've read about studies claiming that drunks are attracted to flashing lights much the same way that insects are attracted to light. FWIW, I usually run two of them, a 5-LED Vistalite and another smaller 3-LED light as a back up.

I clicked on 3,4,5 because I generally use Three - Cateye 400X2 on the front and either a Planet Bike 5(seatbag), Cateye 1000 or 600 on the rear- But come Winter I'll be running Three plus a Mars 3.0 on the mess bag and sometimes a Cateye 100 (back up, lives there) on the helmet.

I only have 1 blinkie. I just purchased a Surly Crosscheck to be set up as a full blown commuter with rack, panniers, fenders, etc. I want to make it as visible as possible. I will be looking at reflecters, blinkies and reflective tape.

I have 3 blinkies, but only use 1.

The main one on the rear is my primary blinkie. I have two LED bar end plugs, but use them on solid, not blinking. Those blinking bar end lights drive me crazy while riding.

In case it fails, or the batteries run down...
Speaking of which...I've been running a new Cateye LD1000 for about 50 hours now. Does each bank run on one of the batteries, or do they share battery power. In other words, since the batteries won't fail at the same time, will I still have a live bank of lights even if the other goes? Has anyone experienced this. Regardless, I have another blinky as backup, albeit less powerful by a long shot. I've had my eye on one of those blinky superflash models as a second light for a while...maybe these things are addictive.

Usually, a vistalite on steady on the rear rack, an additional red blinkie facing aft, and two front blinkies for redundancy, one on steady if i need more road illumination.

my panniers each have a cateye 500 attached to the bags to provide side and rear visibility, and i run flecco tape on bike, helmet and spoke flectors as well as an ANSI vest as we get into the darker season.

so, average number of lights run at night: 4. sometimes 6.

when i tour in the off season, the rainy, dark season around the northwest, i am usually running daytime visible blinkies on the panniers, and the front vistalite on blink, for daytime conspicuity as well.

i also use a slow-mo-vehicle triangle, one is dork-taped to my commuter bike with zip ties and a spoke, so it hangs off the left side of the back of the bike, not centered. i believe this makes the bike appear larger from behind.

i don't bother about 'extreme' daytime vis around town on my commutes (although i'm running the slo mo triangle), but have taken to running my superflash on 'extremely noticably blink" during the daytime and hours around dusk/dawn.

Speaking of which...I've been running a new Cateye LD1000 for about 50 hours now. Does each bank run on one of the batteries, or do they share battery power. In other words, since the batteries won't fail at the same time, will I still have a live bank of lights even if the other goes? Has anyone experienced this. Regardless, I have another blinky as backup, albeit less powerful by a long shot. I've had my eye on one of those blinky superflash models as a second light for a while...maybe these things are addictive.Both banks use both batteries, so unfortunately they'll both dim at the same time.

Are SuperFlashes addictive? Of course not, I "only" ended up buying three :D

when you said blinkies I voted for 4 since I use an amber flasher in the front, barend lights, and the main rear taillight.

4 blinkie. 1 Amber up front, 2 Amber one on each side of the front mounts for the rear rack, and 1 Red on the rear.

What amber ones do you guys use? I wish I knew of more models. I know of the Planet Bike one, the rarely-seen Cateye TL-LD170-F that I used to have one of, and there's a Zefal that doesn't seem to be in any stores. And then the Nashbar ones and clones of them. :( Any others?

I answered 0 and 1, because while my rear light (yes, only one right now - that'll change when I'm back on the rig) is a blinky, I only use it on solid.

I've been strongly considering a dynamo hub, just apprehensive about spending that much on my bike that only cost ~$125CAD - while I've been off riding, I've been reading here a lot about visibility options, etc. so I will be doing something dramatic (using a vest, using tape, getting more lighting and a helmet light) to ensure I'm more visible when I next head out.

Yesterday morning a co-worker mentioned that he was easily able to see my Planet Bike Superflash blinkie from about 100 yards behind me. At the time I was eastbound, and the sun had only been up an hour (it was about 20 degrees to the right of my direction of travel).

Given the significant ambient backlight, that's a pretty darned good endorsement of the Superflash. And with a price of $19.95 (at biketiresdirect.com), I think it's the clear winner in the "most lumens for your buck" race.

That's cool :) I like the blinking because I think it tends to catch people's eye. When you're competing with tons of vehicle lights all doing steady-burn, a blinking light might stand out better than just another steady light (I ride mostly in the city where there can be a lot of lights competing with mine).
Blinking creates the problem of *not* being able to track the light. Yes, it might attract attention, but the flash creates a real problem for other road users if you are moving. I have found this especially so with green, yellow and blue-white blinkies on the front of bikes -- and accurate perception of a bike's position is definitely needed! Is it moving forwards, sideways or backwards? It happens with red blinkies on the back as well... and you can imagine the confusion if a red blinkie is on the front!!!!:eek:

I sometimes wonder if people look critically at other cyclists and identify how well they may or may not be seen in varying light conditions. Reference my post on another thread about reflective vests and how ineffective they might be... unless the wearer swaps it with someone else and actually observes it doing (or not doing) its job.

Likewise, how observant are cyclists when they drive motor cars and come across other riders with their lighting equipment. It could be argued that randonneurs are the most susceptible to these issues because of the distances they ride, and in the experience of many, simpler and *predictable* lighting and reflectorising are often the most effective.

Two white on the front and two red on the rear.

I usualy run two during the warm months when I dont ride in the dark .

when On my real busy commute (major 4 lane county rt) I have a cat eye 10 LED ??? 1000 ,1300?? clipped to my caradice and I also run a fire fighter amber LED flasher. I have these on during my commute in daylight.

when I do ride in the dark (soon) this time of year I have the 2 LEDs and I add a Velleman 2.5" amber strobe.

"John"

2 aft, 1 blazing Dinotte pointed downward, 1 Cateye 5-led on steady, 1 forward helmet Dinotte with red rear bulb. The flashing tail is so bright it looks like the law and some cars actually change lanes to go around. Worth every cent so far.

I run as many as 7 blinkies 4 cateyes tld-1000 on the seat post and some older cateye 500's on the backpack(depending on conditions). I run all of them in a different modes.

Here is a Pic from the side of 4 cateye 1000's in the steady mode.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/6262/pict00095vp.jpg

2 right now-One red on my rear rack in steady mode, one flashing on the seatpost. Although having looked at mech's nighttime lane pics, I'll be adding a flashing white on the front in addition to the headlight, and possibly a yellow on my Camelbak.

2 3-LED cateyes on blink, 1 NR 19?(something teen)-LEDs on solid. In front I run a 3 LED white blinkie and a cygolite HID. I voted 2, since I was only thinking rear.

One really bright one.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5366/582/320/Photo_092106_002.jpg

I've read about studies claiming that drunks are attracted to flashing lights much the same way that insects are attracted to light.
I read one article (about the alleged danger of police cars getting creamed while on the shoulder) that made that claim that had no credible data to support any additional risk because of blinking light. I have also read numerous internet postings which apparantly made a mountain out that original article molehill. Perhaps Chris L.will furnish more detail than just unnamed "studies," so BF members can evaluate the credibility of such "claims".

It's all anecdotal of course, but in my FD, we never had anyone hit our parked and lighted vehicles, and I only recall one incident of a police car in a neighboring department hit by a drunk while stopped with lights on. I responded to, and heard about, far more drunks vs. parked (as in parallel parked for the night) civilian cars, usually where lanes were reduced and what was a driving lane became street parking.

I think if we looked at the actual stats, drunks vs. lighted PD cars would be virtually non-existant.

It has been claimed that blinking lights attract tired people, people with low reflexes and by extension the drunk. However, as far as I remember, many such experiences were done in the army using very powerful lights. I doubt that the typical rear blinkie (even the TL-LD1000 and similar "high power" ones) could induce such a reaction.

Headlights could be a different case. Battery headlights are generally designed like a household spot rather than a non-blinding light. A high-powered halogen or HID headlight in flashing mode could be problematic. However, I suspect that if one rides with such a headlight in flashing mode, it's either because the environment is brightly lit (ex.: sunset, or commercial district), or because one also has a powerful headlight in steady mode.

As for taillights, I always run at least two of them. It's so easy to have a hardware problem – dead battery or even light turning itself off in bumps – go unnoticed. Two taillights also create a larger effective taillight, which will be seen from further away.

It has been claimed that blinking lights attract tired people, people with low reflexes and by extension the drunk. .

There was a study done by the Canada to find out whether blinking or steady taillights on bikes were better and their findings was that steady was better. In Europe or England, I can't remember which, they discovered the same thing and by law they have to use steady. In America the results have been mixed, but a local I spoke to said they thought steady was better because blinking lights tend to make it more difficult for motorist to judge the distance of the cyclist. The drunk thing never came up; but cops are always leary when pulling someone over because the flashing lights on the cop cars have been know to attract drunks that will steer towards the lights and crash into the cop cars.

I just wear this flashing collar thingy.


WOOF!

I'll get better lights as the fall wears on, but right now I've got a Cateye LD-600 on the back and EL-200 on the front. The back is either on the mode where they all flash at once (brighter conditions, it's more noticeable) or the random pattern (very noticeable in darker conditions) The front is either on flash (90% of the time, if it's bright enough for me to ride with no light) or steady (If I'm actually using it to see by)

I've never had a problem riding at night with this setup (Well... I have to slow down if it's dark enough to need the headlight on steady) ... cars have always given me plenty of room. Then again, I don't ride midnight-2 am or so, when the drunks are most likely leaving the bars.

I do have most of the 'standard' reflectors on my bike(red rear, attached to the rack, white front, side reflectors on the wheels), as well as reflective strips on my panniers and my cycling shoes.

I have yet to have someone who truly appeared to not notice me... I generally have the opposite problem, people that see me and have no regard or who actually have tried to intimidate and threaten me.

There was a study done by the Canada to find out whether blinking or steady taillights on bikes were better and their findings was that steady was better. In Europe or England, I can't remember which, they discovered the same thing and by law they have to use steady. In America the results have been mixed, but a local I spoke to said they thought steady was better because blinking lights tend to make it more difficult for motorist to judge the distance of the cyclist. The drunk thing never came up; but cops are always leary when pulling someone over because the flashing lights on the cop cars have been know to attract drunks that will steer towards the lights and crash into the cop cars.
"There was a study;" "In Europe or England, I can't remember which, they discovered...;" "but a local I spoke to said they thought...;" "flashing lights on the cop cars have been know to attract drunks." These are the same information sources about the alleged increased risk of using blinking lights that are often spouted on the Internet.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_611218.hcsp

The UK apparently recently legalized flashing lights on bikes:

The use of flashing front and rear lamps on pedal cycles is becoming commonplace, despite these not being permitted by the Regulations. Research carried out by ICE Ergonomics Ltd concluded that flashing lamps neither improve pedal cycle conspicuity nor impair it. Therefore the Department has concluded that the current prohibition on flashing lights on pedal cycles should be lifted so that cycle riders are free to choose whether or not to fit flashing lamps.

I have been trying to find the ICE Ergonomics report, but have had no luck. Nor can I find ICE Ergonomics. I keep arriving at a University webpage that doesnt exist, or am directed to another webpage, that doesnt exist either.

If anybody can locate a copy of this report, I would like to read it. I am interested in what they actually tested for....

a

I have been trying to find the ICE Ergonomics report, but have had no luck. Nor can I find ICE Ergonomics. I keep arriving at a University webpage that doesnt exist, or am directed to another webpage, that doesnt exist either.

If anybody can locate a copy of this report, I would like to read it. I am interested in what they actually tested for....

a

All I could get from the British Transportation web site is a phone number, two names, and it was done in the year 2000. It probably is not on line. This makes me believe that the study really does exist. Who knows if it was done well, or not. But It does exist somewhere!

You could call England ! :rolleyes: $$$$$$

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_506875-03.hcsp#P599_65655

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S270F/VC: Motor vehicle and pedal cycle conspicuity

This project has examined three particular conspicuity issues; warning beacons, retro-reflective contour markings as conspicuity aids on motor vehicles and flashing lights on pedal cycles.
Warning beacons by definition need to be conspicuous so this project investigated the effect of three common variables; flash rate, colour and position. The research also highlighted problems with glare from certain combinations and applications. Retro-reflective markings on trucks were found to have benefits and problems. This work has already contributed to a change in the UN ECE regulations, which will allow a wider range of colours to be used. Flashing lights for pedal cycles have been studied for their effectiveness in making cyclists conspicuous to other road users. The conclusions were that the flashing front lights were not very effective whilst the flashing red rear lights were as conspicuous as conventional rear lights.
Consideration was given to the installation and performance of such aids so as to maximise their conspicuity benefit without producing excessive glare and to ensure that the appropriate signal is given to other road users in coherent and consistent ways. The report includes recommendations for amendments to domestic and European legislation regarding these devices so as to improve vehicle conspicuity.

Contractor:
ICE
Completion date:
2000
Report:
Available from ICE (summer 2000)
Contact:
Neil Bowerman in VSE. Tel. 020 7944 2066
Dean Southall at ICE. Tel. 01509 236161
Sharon Cook at ICE. Tel. 01509 283 337

Zero. Haven't had good consistent performance with the blinkies. Too much road vibration so that they may or may not work...So I use strobes instead. However, when it's time to upgrade, I'll probably go to the Bull LEDs.

Dusk came early with the rain on Thursday and my LightMan strobe would not work! Fortunately the flashpoint did. I must have passed a half dozen riders heading the opposite way all without any lights! At least it was the trail.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_611218.hcsp

The UK apparently recently legalized flashing lights on bikes:

The use of flashing front and rear lamps on pedal cycles is becoming commonplace, despite these not being permitted by the Regulations. Research carried out by ICE Ergonomics Ltd concluded that flashing lamps neither improve pedal cycle conspicuity nor impair it. Therefore the Department has concluded that the current prohibition on flashing lights on pedal cycles should be lifted so that cycle riders are free to choose whether or not to fit flashing lamps.

Wow. Finally! Back in 2002 Good LEDs were hard to get here. So I ordered some bigger CatEyes (now popular here) from the UK. They told me there were illegal there yet people were still buying and using the blinkies there....Well it's about time!

Cateye TL-LD500 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/268), mounted on the reflector bracket of my rear rack
Cateye TL-LD1000 (http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/280), mounted on my seat wedge
A pair of ViewPoint FlashBack Bar-End lights (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17651&subcategory_ID=4322), which were counted as a single unit (since they're used as a set)


I have them set on a combination of blinking and steady modes... in my experience the blinking makes you stand out much better, while steady make it easier for drivers to judge distance. As usual, your mileage may vary.

Remarking on the difficulty of judging distance for a flashing light, I use my blinkies during the daytime too, when I want to draw the motorists' eyes up the road further than they might be looking otherwise.

At night, I'm not sure if it's much easier to judge the range of a small point source of light when it's steady instead of flashing, because you still have nothing to triangulate with if that's all you can see. Since blinkies seem to be associated with cyclists, I like to use the flashing modes to send that CYCLIST AHEAD signal to those motorists who've learned that association.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_611218.hcsp

The UK apparently recently legalized flashing lights on bikes:

The use of flashing front and rear lamps on pedal cycles is becoming commonplace, despite these not being permitted by the Regulations. Research carried out by ICE Ergonomics Ltd concluded that flashing lamps neither improve pedal cycle conspicuity nor impair it. Therefore the Department has concluded that the current prohibition on flashing lights on pedal cycles should be lifted so that cycle riders are free to choose whether or not to fit flashing lamps.
Does the study say anything about increasing the risk of drunks (or other dummies) steering into the blinking lights as "claimed" by several BF posters?

I run 5 lights on me/my bike for night commuting

Cateye TL-LD1000 and TL-LD170 on the rear
Cateye HL-EL500 on the front
helmet mounted halogen/HID light
and blinking LED armband on my left arm if that counts

Two Vistalite Nebula 5 blinkies on the back of my rack and a pair of bar end LEDs.
http://home.mindspring.com/~rhorne/Jamis%20012.jpg
http://home.mindspring.com/~rhorne/Jamis%20014.jpg

I just added a Planet Bike Brt 3H on my helmet. No pics yet.