Advocacy & Safety - Lights

As I was cycling through town last night with bike looking like something from Close Encounters of The Third Kind I passed three kids on bikes without lights, so I didn't think anything was out of the ordinary when I overtook a fourth. However on seeing that this one had a plainly visible front-light I was a bit puzzled until I noticed the length of the back of his jacket.

If you've got your light mounted to your seatpost, fit another lower down or make sure you only wear very short coats.

Richard

Those of us with blinkies on our over-the-rear-wheel carriers don't have this problem. This is yet another benefit of my retro-grouch Pletscher mousetrap racks.

Those of us with blinkies on our over-the-rear-wheel carriers don't have this problem.

I fixed a cateye rear light/reflector unit to my rack and attached the original reflector to my saddlepack. I suppose when I've got panniers on the rack, they probably partially obscure the light from the sides but I attach a blinkie to the r/h pannier back anyway.

Richard

Reminds me about the need to test new lighting/reflectors after adding them to your bike.

I recently moved my reflectors around a bit. I rode a week or so before testing them in darkness, using my own car headlights (I positioned my bike against a neighbor's mailbox and drove around the block until my headlights came up on my bike's rear end.) Unfortunately, I discovered my 3-inch red reflector was obscured by my rear wheel and my two oval yellow reflectors were at an angle that made them only partially visible.

Reflectors should be tested after mounting under close to actual conditions. Don't take their effectiveness for granted.

On another note, I found a green front blinkie at a discount place for only $2.50. Very visible! Uses standard AAA rechargables. 5 LED's, 5 blink patterns. I've been using the same brand/type for a (red) rear blinkie for ages. And my reflectors are fantastic, but only about a dollar each from the auto parts store.

(One more thing, not about lights: if you use CO2 refills, don't get them at the bike shop. You can get 12 gram refills where BB guns are sold, at only about 50 cents each.)

I opted not to attach blinkies to the bike at all for this reason. I clip one to the back of my helmet and one to the back of my Carradice SQR. I always use two for added visibility and in case the batteries die in one.
Regards,
Raymond

What do various Forum members do about pedal or shoe reflectors? As a "strap-in" toe-clip retrogrouch, I hate rear-facing pedal reflectors, because they obstruct that all-important flip-up tab on the back of the pedal cage, but I do admit that they are very visible on the road. I suppose reflectorized shoes are the next-best thing, and perhaps the only solution for those with modern "snap-in" clipless pedals.

I`ve just attached some reflecting tape on my trailer, this should improve visability sideways, at least i hope so.
I tested it with my headlight and it really attracts attention.
That for about 5 ,- hfl / 10 $, is this a bargain or what ;)

What do various Forum members do about pedal or shoe reflectors? As a "strap-in" toe-clip retrogrouch, I hate rear-facing pedal reflectors

I use strapless mini-toe-clips and have left the rear reflectors in. One of the reasons I disliked Powerstraps was the lack of reflectors (although appantly adaptor kits will be available again soon). My shoes have large fluoro-yellow patches on them which might help a little in subdued light. The brand name is in silver on the back, but I don't thinks it's properly reflective.

Richard

I`ve just attached some reflecting tape on my trailer

How hardwearing do people find reflective tape? Are there any brands that are particularly good? Does it stick well/cope with wet conditions?

Thanks

Richard

I use scotchlite which is very good.

In the UK you can buy a wee strip of 5 led's which are mounted on velcro, with battery and a small hidden press switch.

They also come sewn into "indicator" gloves, but can be attached anywhere. I use one mounted at the neck on my cycling jacket and one on my dog's collar when I'm walking him at night.

I wish I could find a blatantly bright-coloured (dayglow orange, screaming yellow, etc.) and reflective backpack. The best I could do last time was dark red. I have attached a red blinkie, but I still dislike covering much of my white or yellow jacket or sweater with a dark-coloured object!

I wish I could find a blatantly bright-coloured (dayglow orange, screaming yellow, etc.)

Try Lowe Alpine - they used to do very bright climbers day packs.

Richard

With the cooler weather down here in Augusta I bought a day-glow Orange jacket that is made of a wicking fabric. Let me tell you that sucker can be seen for MILES! Subtle as a truck! :eek:

I don`t know how durable the tape is, but its cheap compared to other safety gear.
I degreased the surface and attached the tape in single lanes. One piece was wrong, so i tried to remove it :crash: -> really sticky !
The sell it at Halfords, i think there will be more choice in UK.
John E, indeed (like Richard said), check out Lowe Alpine, the make good bicycle packs, but one of the best I.O is Deuter, this is a German brand with excellent bicycle packs,

regards,

I can't remember where I got them (maybe Action Bikes or Halfords) but I have anifty pair of reflective yellow ankle bands. velcro fasten so they can be tight when you're dresses light or fit round baggy rainproofs. They're about an inch wide & a foot long, and they really show out.

I use them coz my clipless pedals don't have reflectors and all the times I've been driving a cage I 'm impressed at the visibility of reflective pedals - you really see them whirling about.

Also good because they move are reflectors in the spokes. Only useful dfrom side on, but they will make a car hit the brakes if it's about to jump an give-way or stop on a dark night.

Stew

What do various Forum members do about pedal or shoe reflectors? As a "strap-in" toe-clip retrogrouch, I hate rear-facing pedal reflectors, because they obstruct that all-important flip-up tab on the back of the pedal cage, but I do admit that they are very visible on the road. I suppose reflectorized shoes are the next-best thing, and perhaps the only solution for those with modern "snap-in" clipless pedals.

Neither of my bikes have pedal reflectors or any reflectors. Instead I've applied reflective tape to the leading edges of the crankarms and also to the side of the crankarms. When viewed from the front, rear or sides the turning cranks create a strobing effect. I also have a length of tape on the top-tube and the fork and peices of tape applied on the rims between the spokes. The tape I used I found at the ever evil Wal-mart empire in the auto section; 3'x1 1/2" for under $2, in silvery white or radical red. So far it has held up well and and is highly reflective. I find that removal is best done by first heating the tape up with a hair dryer.

(...the more I think about it, the more I think I ought to decorate my bike along with my Christmas tree this year...)

I've often thought one could do some cool safety stuff to one's bike with this stuff. It looks really neat.

http://www.thatscoolwire.com/


As for my own bike, I've got a red blinky on my helmet, a really, big, really bright red blinky on my seat post (and short jacket:) ). And then on the front, I have a vistalight night stick plus this white led light that is really nice. It's always dark when I'm riding home from work. Plus, I often ride home after midnight. While there are almost no cars out on the streets after midnight, the ones that are out almost always go superfast, plus I assume the drivers are half asleep. I want to be super visible.

Wow!!:eek: That stuff is really cool. Kind of pricey but cool!!! I might buy some with my Christmas money.:thumbup:

Originally posted by HillaryRose
Plus, I often ride home after midnight. While there are almost no cars out on the streets after midnight, the ones that are out almost always go superfast, plus I assume the drivers are half asleep. I want to be super visible.

When I read the part about riding late after midnight, I just wanted to let you know that there have been several cases of bikers (mostly ladies - no offense we are pretty) that have been kidnapped while riding their bikes. The jack@ss would bump them which would send them flying and while they were stunned and hurt from the crash, they would be kidnapped. The 2 cases that I heard the women have still not been found. Just please be careful. When I ride at night my senses are quadruple of what they would be in the daylight. I am aware during the day, but I am really careful at night. You never know......

I have also thought about getting a cell phone only in case of an emergency. I have been holding out on the purchase, but it could be very handy.

Originally posted by HillaryRose
As for my own bike, I've got a red blinky on my helmet, a really, big, really bright red blinky on my seat post (and short jacket:) ). And then on the front, I have a vistalight night stick plus this white led light that is really nice. It's always dark when I'm riding home from work. Plus, I often ride home after midnight. While there are almost no cars out on the streets after midnight, the ones that are out almost always go superfast, plus I assume the drivers are half asleep. I want to be super visible.
HillaryRose,

These are my sentiments exactly, about lighting.

As for riding home after midnight, there are some added risks, as Redhed touched upon.

Maybe you should get a riding partner (ViciousCycle?) ;)

(And a cell phone...)

heah,one option. Performance has outerware, that the whole jacket reflects light. Think they are effective.? Can't see myself, as others see me from behind? On my commute bike I have a blinkie on my rear rack and I mount a small blinkie on the rear of my helmet.

I have some bolt-on pedal reflectors, but I dont like using them with clips. I chose my cycling shoes because they have a tab of scotchlite at the heel.
I also have reflective triangle on my Carradice bag, belt, some cycling jackets, helmt and gloves.
I use a proper reflector on my rear fender and a reflective tyre.
One driver commented that I was very visible from behind.

Im aware of the coat-flap problem. Does anyone make a fender-mounted lamp. I can power it from a bottle battery. My SKS fenders came with one but I havent seen them sold separately.

If you want an equivalent to pedal reflectors but have pedals where they won't work (SPD, Lyotard platform, for instance) try strips of reflective tape on the edges of your crankarms. Very visible at night.

I have to be off shift for three months. That means fewer days off, so fewer free riding days. I am so determined to be ready for my September tour, I will not loose a day. Have to ride at night and my training means riding hills at night.
What bothers me, our hills have abrupt curves. With cars traveling hills at high speeds, regardless of the curves, will any amount of lighting help.? To prepare for my tour, I need ride the hills. Four days a week don't get home from work, until about dark. At least until day light savings time..
I like the fact so many night riders here exude lots of confidence about riding at night. I do have a great light system with lots of reflective material. You all give me a degree of confidence.
I am bumbed, because my twelve hour shifts give me off like almost half the month to do my thing. Day shift will end much of that free time.

Just riding along in the dark is not a significant problem; it's easy to be highly visible, and you dont really need 20watts of power for road cycling.

The problem I have is just after you round a tight corner (US right hand bend, UK left hand bend), when a car approaches from behind. You can see them coming, because of the headlights, but they can't see you until they round the corner.
The wider you ride, the sooner they will see you, but the closer to the curb, the better they can pass.
Before you enter a corner, check to see if anything is approaching, then take the corner wide. If you hear or see something coming behind, ease over to the edge(but not the gutter).

You have to use some judgment about whether a road is safe . There are some I avoid at night, mainly ones with very bright street lighting and lots of visual noise from neon signs , parked cars and traffic signs. Its easy for the small signal of a rider to get lost in the noise.

Originally posted by MichaelW
Does anyone make a fender-mounted lamp. I can power it from a bottle battery. My SKS fenders came with one but I havent seen them sold separately.

My SKS had one as well but I replaced it with a Cateye BS 14 AU, mounted slightly higher.

Has anyone had any problems with Illuminite products? I have a GREAT half-zip sherpa with this stuff in the fabric, and have followed the manufacturer's care directions to a T. Not long ago I was zooming happily along (confident with my headlight and two diff red blinkies going strong ) when the neighbor stopped me and mentioned that it looked like my bike was pedaling itself--he couldn't see any reflectivity at all in my top. I had just assumed it was still effective!! Any suggestions?

On my night ride tonight, think I have done all you can do to be seen. The reflecterized vest, blinker light on back, reflecterized ankle straps and a bright front light. people flashed me from great distances. The reflecterized vest advertised it can be seen from 1,000 feet.?

I've not read wonderful reports of these reflective fabrics that don't look reflective under normal conditions. I stick with a fluoro-yellow vest with scotchlite bands. If the emergency services, rail workers and the Post Office use Scotchlite I doubt their is much better, and I know that it reflects strongly even under the light from a cheap bike lamp.

Reflective material isn't as good at dusk and dawn but that's when Fluorescent colours work very well.

Richard

just made myself chuckle ....it popped into my head that we could all dress up like Robert Redford did in that one flick-I think it was Electric Cowboy or something like that-where he had to wear 30 w bulbs all over his clothes as part of his rodeo show.! Can't you just see it? And as an added bonus, no more chilly rides (might melt my #@&$# Gore-tex,tho).
Getting ready to saddle up right now...just got a little snow and ice mix and it's 8*F with the wind chill. YES!!!!