Commuting - Which side for pannier

I commute with one pannier which I use on the right (traffic in UK) side of the bike.

Following Ed Hollands report of his crash I can see that the pannier helped me prevent rear mech damage when I crashed last winter, but covers the reflector on my right shoe which, as it moves, is eye catching.

So - which side guys? Letf or right. (The US guys have it both ways of course)

Right side - I carry an extra LED and with the scotchlite strip I think helps with visual width. I'm considering a rack pack as an alternative - ideally one I can use as a shoulder bag or backpack.

I should have said also have an led on the rear of the pannier.

Psychologically I also prefer the right as I feel if I get clipped by a car the pannier will cushion the blow (stupid I know).

Has anyone ever thought of a pannier mounted airbag I wonder?

I find that an off-side (UK right) single pannier makes the bike look wider , so cars pass with more clearance. Ive used the inside pannier as well. I tend to alternate to even out the wear.

I rarely use one, but when I do, I place it on the non-drive side (left) to avoid the flying gunk and slush the drive train throws up. This occurs mostly in the winter.

Dan

I have mine on the right side, away from traffic, as I often ride between stopped cars and the curb and do not want the panier to rub against the side of the cars. It is also on the opposite side of the bike from the kick stand, which helps prevent the bike from tipping over when parked and the pannier is full. This is a short wheel base bent by the way...does not do well on the kick stand.

On the traffic side, which in the US is on the left--the more that sticks out into the traffic lane, the better. This is also good since the left, non-derailleur side is also the "light" side of the bike.

I have mine on the drive side, for no better reason than when I started to commute, I simply picked up the right bag and that's the one I've been using ever since.

Jay

Generally the traffic side (the right side in Australia). However, if I'm carrying with any weight in it, I'll use two panniers.