Commuting - Riding In Heavy Traffic At Night

I ride in at 5:15 am and leave for home at 3:00 to 4:00 pm most days, so I don't usually ride in much traffic even though my route takes me through the densest part of downtown, a busy bridge, and then up a major commute street. I avoid rush hour. Most days.

Tonight I left at 5:30 pm and rode home in the heart of rush hour. It was already dark. There were cars everywhere, headlights and brake lights thick and blinking, like being a ranch dog in a big herd of steel cattle. Traffic was so thick that for some of the ride, I was moving faster than traffic, passing them in my bike lane, even up a modest grade.

This made me nervous. Most drivers figure if they haven't recently passed a cyclist then they can turn right no problem. So I was worried about being right hooked. To my surprise the drivers did in fact seem to be checking the bike lane before turning, on several occasions a car clearly waited until I passed to make its right turn. Then again, there was the lady who pulled without looking into the bike lane to get to a parking space, but I saw that coming and it only slowed me down. I hate losing momentum on an uphill but there's not always a choice.

I had switched on all my lights, the NiteRider on the bars and the generic Cree XML T6 spot on the helmet. This really helped. When I'm coming up behind a car that is slowing or edging over, whose driver might just be thinking about pulling into that driveway or side street, I put the spot right into his rear window, the whole cabin lights up and his rear view mirror is suddenly blinding bright. I'm fairly sure it helps me get noticed. Same if I'm approaching an intersection and a car is creeping out into my path, the driver's face gets lit up and the car lurches to a stop.

My lights seem to make me unpopular with other riders, as I come up behind them, they see their shadows in the growing pool of bright light, then they swerve and look around for the bright menacing thing, when they see it is another cyclist and I can sort of feel their irritation. Or maybe I'm imagining it. We commuters seem like a surly lot, there's never any chit chat or even hellos or waves as pleasure riders often exchange. It feels like we are grimly, intently forging through the minefields and dangers, and have no thought to spare for each other beyond "I hope it's him and not me".

On the rear I had double red blinkies, which felt just a little inadequate in that sea of red lights. I think I will investigate amber blinkies and more reflective tape. Some riders with panniers put big patches of reflective tape on the back side of the bags, and they stand out like glowing warning squares. Seems like a good thing.

And then there are the (deleted) bike ninjas. The riders with no lights at all, invisible ghosts who appear from nowhere in their fashionably dark clothing. I hate them, almost ran into, or was run into by, two of those prick heads tonight. I wish the police would ticket them just like they'd ticket a car driving at night with no lights.

I guess it wasn't really a relaxing ride home. But in a sort of aggressive, pumping, teeth-gritted way, I enjoyed it. Glad I don't get to have this particular kind of fun too often.

Yeah, there is a certain thrill to riding like your life depends on it.

Sound like fun :) , in all starts to become normal after a while .

I like the times you are riding along and you are trying to keep track of 8+ cars , drive ways, ninjas , your self. glass and the traffic lights :p .

As for you light, I can't speak for others but as long as it isn't aimed up at my eyes i have no problem with it. I am/should be shoulder checking and/or have a mirror and normally don't get caught out to badly.

You should do the same commute on a Friday night 5 30pm .... that can get scary

I'm relatively in the Boonies.. Down river by the Sea

I'll agree with the OP that driving in the above conditions takes the fun out of commuting, -but- my least favorite situation is early morning heavy traffic (if it's dark, so much the worse), where drivers are half asleep, anxious to get to work and usually texting their family/friends/colleagues. The fear of being rear ended, even with carnival intensity lighting, is always present and I've had quite a few near-hits, especially now with less ambient light due to shorter days.

I had switched on all my lights, the NiteRider on the bars and the generic Cree XML T6 spot on the helmet. This really helped. When I'm coming up behind a car that is slowing or edging over, whose driver might just be thinking about pulling into that driveway or side street, I put the spot right into his rear window, the whole cabin lights up and his rear view mirror is suddenly blinding bright. I'm fairly sure it helps me get noticed. Same if I'm approaching an intersection and a car is creeping out into my path, the driver's face gets lit up and the car lurches to a stop.

Same here! I absolutely love pinning drivers down with my beam! Before entering any intersection (even in low trafficked neighborhoods) I always do the following. Blue is me, red is my line of site AND a wall of super intense flashing light from a Cygolite mounted on the helmet.See pic.



On the rear I had double red blinkies, which felt just a little inadequate in that sea of red lights. I think I will investigate amber blinkies and more reflective tape. Some riders with panniers put big patches of reflective tape on the back side of the bags, and they stand out like glowing warning squares. Seems like a good thing.

Good idea with the reflective tape on the bags! It works very well and I feel safer having it in addition to rear lights.



And then there are the (deleted) bike ninjas. The riders with no lights at all, invisible ghosts who appear from nowhere in their fashionably dark clothing. I hate them, almost ran into, or was run into by, two of those prick heads tonight. I wish the police would ticket them just like they'd ticket a car driving at night with no lights.


There is NO excuse not to have a light.

I'm sick of those bike ninjas. There are so many in Portland. F**** losers.

>>Tonight I left at 5:30 pm and rode home in the heart of rush hour. It was already dark. There were cars everywhere, headlights and brake lights thick and blinking, like being a ranch dog in a big herd of steel cattle. Traffic was so thick that for some of the ride, I was moving faster than traffic, passing them in my bike lane, even up a modest grade.<<

I moved 3,000 miles to be in Portland on the strength of its standing as bike capital of the U.S. When I got here I took one look at all the bikes flowing over the Burnside Bridge and said... that's way too many bikes... cool, but, herds of cars, herds of bikes... I could have stayed back east. Then I found Hillsboro. I have the bike lanes mostly to myself. There's room for a couple more cyclists. But only a couple, don't tell ALL your commute buddies.. Just slip away in the dead of night and live free...

>>This made me nervous. Most drivers figure if they haven't recently passed a cyclist then they can turn right no problem. So I was worried about being right hooked. To my surprise the drivers did in fact seem to be checking the bike lane before turning, on several occasions a car clearly waited until I passed to make its right turn. <<

Even way out here in the Western burb's the bike awareness of the cagers is above average. Why are you surprised? How long have you been a Portland Cyclist? Actually, I wish they would just turn and get on with life. I'm not going to get to the intersection for at least 8 seconds, even at 16 mph. PLENTY of time to make your turn and be on your way. But all the hand wringing from Cycling Advocates have put the fear of God in the cagers and so they wait and wait... THAT'S what makes ME nervous, in NYC a driver held that long might just lose it and bolt when he realizes that waiting another 3 seconds is going to make him get in deep tofu with his old lady.

>>My lights seem to make me unpopular with other riders, as I come up behind them, they see their shadows in the growing pool of bright light, then they swerve and look around for the bright menacing thing, when they see it is another cyclist and I can sort of feel their irritation. Or maybe I'm imagining it.<<

You are. Cyclists aren't bothered by headlights, even flame throwers, that come up from behind. Its when they have to face one oncoming on a narrow path that some annoyance might enter into it.

>> We commuters seem like a surly lot, there's never any chit chat or even hellos or waves as pleasure riders often exchange. It feels like we are grimly, intently forging through the minefields and dangers, and have no thought to spare for each other beyond "I hope it's him and not me".<<

There is some truth to this. I don't see many other commuters. When I do, its usually on. I only need one more kill for my next ace. Grrrrrr.

>>On the rear I had double red blinkies, which felt just a little inadequate in that sea of red lights. I think I will investigate amber blinkies<<

I hope you fight this. Two blinkies and the now standard neon-yellow cycling jacket are plenty. You are riding in Portland, OR, not New Delhi. Amber blinkies? Why amber? That would only confuse cagers. Amber lights are running lights i.e. side marker lights or turn signals.

>>and more reflective tape. Some riders with panniers put big patches of reflective tape on the back side of the bags, and they stand out like glowing warning squares. Seems like a good thing.<<

My panniers came with big patches of reflective tape already on it. Hmmmm... so did the rack trunk from Nashbar... so did the Yak Sak for my Bob trailer. So does my rain jacket... you don't have to go out of your way to be visible. Everything you buy these days has reflective material applied to it. That's where it belongs. If you get out a rolll of reflective tape I have to wonder what you are planning to apply it to? Your bike? Bad idea. Drivers aren't looking down there, they are looking up at you. If you buy half-way decent commuter tires they will have reflective sidewalls. I hope I am never in the position of having to rely on them to save me because that would mean I am just seconds away from the Mother of All T-Bone collisions. Ouch!

H

Ditto on the lights.

After I had an accident (not my fault) after which the driver told me he hadn't seen me, I now carry a very bright helmet mounted LED which does not get unnoticed even during daytime. It's accompanied by a nice and small but also very bright flash light attached to my bike. Incoming threats usually only need a quick glance in their direction. I can tilt the helmet light to make sure that I do not to blind oncoming traffic.

Yesterday evening though, I made a police car stop in its tracks.:lol: I wasn't in their way and they didn't have to wait, but they did anyway just to watch me pass by. Ofcourse I took a quick glance at them and saw their surprise. On the back of my seatbag I have blinky, which is also very visible from a long way out. I have reflective side walls on my tyres. and my clothes, shoecovers and seatbag all come with reflective material. My colleagues tell me that I am lit up like a x-mas tree when they see me riding at night, which is very reassuring to me.

Still, I am lucky to have a very low traffic commuting route. The downside is that on some stretches there is no lighting at all, which is the other reason for me to carry sufficient lighting.

i have more trouble with other riders than with motorists.

flashing front/rear lights are illegal over here.

OP: Enjoyed the essay! Like tergal says, it's something a person gets used to after a while. However, I'm like you where my morning commute is pre-sunrise and my ride home is mid-afternoon, before rush hour, so I don't have to face the 5:00 thing very often. Enjoyed reading your post.

Some people think it sucks to ride in the dark and in traffic and dark with traffic but if you are lit up and have done everything you can to be seen, you can focus on the ride. Does it require paying more attention? Heck yes. But I look at it like it requires a different sent of skills to ride in the dark, with traffic at rush hour. Is it fun? He11 yes.

Try all that and rain on top of Korean drivers who don't stop for anything.. especially bikes. Makes my Monday commute a real life game of frogger.

[QUOTE=Leisesturm;14950215]

>>I found Hillsboro.<<
Riding in Hillsboro itself seems pretty idyllic. But it seems hard to get from Hillsboro to downtown? Generally I think the West Hills and points west is a tough commute? My kids used to go to school in Forest Heights and I'd ride there from downtown for meetings, the 3 inch wide bike lane on Cornell (or whatever you call the sliver of pavement between the fog line and the broken pavement edge), the 50 mph vehicle speed, and the hills always made that no fun. Fun when you're out on a Sunday ride with the light bike, not fun in evening rush-hour with work clothes and 20 lb of stuff in your bags.

>>How long have you been a Portland Cyclist? Actually, I wish they would just turn and get on with life. I'm not going to get to the intersection for at least 8 seconds, even at 16 mph.<<

About 6 years. Definitely Portland drivers are more bike savvy than anywhere else I've lived, even when I first came here. I've noticed more awareness of right-hooking in the last couple of years. There are green "bike boxes" and special "yield to bikes" signs popping up everywhere, plus ghost bikes and the well publicized truck-crushing deaths of some photogenic young women that got a lot of press. There is still this awkward part, as you said, when the driver waits a long time as you're huffing slowly along and you wonder if his patience is going to crack just as you get there. But sometimes you're whistling along at 20+ mph and you worry that the driver may not realize some bikes are moving faster than others.

>>Why amber? That would only confuse cagers.<<

They would be, in effect, running lights.

>>Everything you buy these days has reflective material applied to it<<

My stuff is pretty old - 7 y/o Burley jacket, 20 y/o Timbuktu messenger bag, not a lot of reflective stuff on it. On the tires, at least one brand I've seen (Rubena) used retro-reflective sidewalls which reflect from any angle - you don't have to be square-on to the bike, even approaching at three-quarters, the sidewalls shine brightly. The downside is they seem rather heavy. I don't have reflective tires currently, maybe when the current ones wear out.

I usually feel more comfortable on my morning commute if it is before daylight - less likely to have headlights-off ninjacars sneak up on me when I need to turn or dodge a bit into the lane to cross the angled RR tracks. And in the morning, it seems that the traffic is a bit more stretched out - not as dense, and not so big a hurry as evening.

I live an hour south of Portland, so our area doesn't have the amount of traffic, percentage of cyclists, or infrastructure. But, I have the ability to get off the main roads and ride through less traveled residential or industrial areas. But at night, I do everything I can do to be off the heavier-trafficked roads, as I believe my red flashies on the back can get lost in the sea of tail and brake lights.

I have started wearing reflective bands on my ankles. The up and down motion of the reflectors does key a driver in to the fact that there is a cyclist up there, I think more than blinking or solid red lights do. But I still run one solid and two or three blinkers on the back. My front setup is two MagicShines, one on flash unless it is pitch dark - once I can see, I use the strobe to make me seen.

I feel so much safer riding at night. Of course I'm lit up like a Christmas UFO...In fact I feel kind of uncomfortable riding in traffic during the daytime.

My lights seem to make me unpopular with other riders, as I come up behind them, they see their shadows in the growing pool of bright light, then they swerve and look around for the bright menacing thing, when they see it is another cyclist and I can sort of feel their irritation. Or maybe I'm imagining it. We commuters seem like a surly lot, there's never any chit chat or even hellos or waves as pleasure riders often exchange. It feels like we are grimly, intently forging through the minefields and dangers, and have no thought to spare for each other beyond "I hope it's him and not me"..

Man I am glad you said that! I always seem to get attitude when I pass another cyclist, especially those commuting. I always go for some chit chat and am denied. But when I see another ride out for a recreational spin there is either a wave or some conversation. Interesting. Maybe it is the funk coming off of my tights :commute:

Thanks for the post OP, I enjoyed it. I too get a little stressed when cyclists with very bright lights come up behind me. My first thought is 'FFS I hope a car is not using the bike lane as a shortcut'. It's not the other guy's fault, though.

"Or i hope that's not a motorcycle" :roflmao2:Srsly, i once saw a motorcycle on the MUP!
If people in Portland are worried about commuting, good gravy!! What hope is there for the rest of us?

I ride in at 5:15 am and leave for home at 3:00 to 4:00 pm most days, so I don't usually ride in much traffic even though my route takes me through the densest part of downtown, a busy bridge, and then up a major commute street. I avoid rush hour. Most days.

Tonight I left at 5:30 pm and rode home in the heart of rush hour. It was already dark. There were cars everywhere, headlights and brake lights thick and blinking, like being a ranch dog in a big herd of steel cattle. Traffic was so thick that for some of the ride, I was moving faster than traffic, passing them in my bike lane, even up a modest grade.

This made me nervous. Most drivers figure if they haven't recently passed a cyclist then they can turn right no problem. So I was worried about being right hooked. To my surprise the drivers did in fact seem to be checking the bike lane before turning, on several occasions a car clearly waited until I passed to make its right turn. Then again, there was the lady who pulled without looking into the bike lane to get to a parking space, but I saw that coming and it only slowed me down. I hate losing momentum on an uphill but there's not always a choice.

I had switched on all my lights, the NiteRider on the bars and the generic Cree XML T6 spot on the helmet. This really helped. When I'm coming up behind a car that is slowing or edging over, whose driver might just be thinking about pulling into that driveway or side street, I put the spot right into his rear window, the whole cabin lights up and his rear view mirror is suddenly blinding bright. I'm fairly sure it helps me get noticed. Same if I'm approaching an intersection and a car is creeping out into my path, the driver's face gets lit up and the car lurches to a stop.

My lights seem to make me unpopular with other riders, as I come up behind them, they see their shadows in the growing pool of bright light, then they swerve and look around for the bright menacing thing, when they see it is another cyclist and I can sort of feel their irritation. Or maybe I'm imagining it. We commuters seem like a surly lot, there's never any chit chat or even hellos or waves as pleasure riders often exchange. It feels like we are grimly, intently forging through the minefields and dangers, and have no thought to spare for each other beyond "I hope it's him and not me".

On the rear I had double red blinkies, which felt just a little inadequate in that sea of red lights. I think I will investigate amber blinkies and more reflective tape. Some riders with panniers put big patches of reflective tape on the back side of the bags, and they stand out like glowing warning squares. Seems like a good thing.

And then there are the (deleted) bike ninjas. The riders with no lights at all, invisible ghosts who appear from nowhere in their fashionably dark clothing. I hate them, almost ran into, or was run into by, two of those prick heads tonight. I wish the police would ticket them just like they'd ticket a car driving at night with no lights.

I guess it wasn't really a relaxing ride home. But in a sort of aggressive, pumping, teeth-gritted way, I enjoyed it. Glad I don't get to have this particular kind of fun too often.

Your lights are the reason you are getting respect from the cars. If you don't believe me, try that run with a weak front light and no helmet light. I ride in the same kind of arena.. 5:30 am, rush hour traffic, and no shoulder on some of my route. I am pushing double 1600 lums up front, 1300 lums on my helmet. Take 3 or 4 hundred lums off each light, and I am still pushing heavy lums. Cars respect me, and give me the right away.

Sure, I have run across some ninjas out there, do I care if they are mad, no way..They are out there with no lights, and got a nerve to get attitude over my lights. Wihich by the way, are aimed downward too.

Good post!! :beer:

Ditto on the lights.

After I had an accident (not my fault) after which the driver told me he hadn't seen me, I now carry a very bright helmet mounted LED which does not get unnoticed even during daytime. It's accompanied by a nice and small but also very bright flash light attached to my bike. Incoming threats usually only need a quick glance in their direction. I can tilt the helmet light to make sure that I do not to blind oncoming traffic.

Yesterday evening though, I made a police car stop in its tracks.:lol: I wasn't in their way and they didn't have to wait, but they did anyway just to watch me pass by. Ofcourse I took a quick glance at them and saw their surprise. On the back of my seatbag I have blinky, which is also very visible from a long way out. I have reflective side walls on my tyres. and my clothes, shoecovers and seatbag all come with reflective material. My colleagues tell me that I am lit up like a x-mas tree when they see me riding at night, which is very reassuring to me.

Still, I am lucky to have a very low traffic commuting route. The downside is that on some stretches there is no lighting at all, which is the other reason for me to carry sufficient lighting.

:thumb: :thumb:

Ditto on the lights.

After I had an accident (not my fault) after which the driver told me he hadn't seen me, I now carry a very bright helmet mounted LED which does not get unnoticed even during daytime. It's accompanied by a nice and small but also very bright flash light attached to my bike. Incoming threats usually only need a quick glance in their direction. I can tilt the helmet light to make sure that I do not to blind oncoming traffic.

Yesterday evening though, I made a police car stop in its tracks.:lol: I wasn't in their way and they didn't have to wait, but they did anyway just to watch me pass by. Ofcourse I took a quick glance at them and saw their surprise. On the back of my seatbag I have blinky, which is also very visible from a long way out. I have reflective side walls on my tyres. and my clothes, shoecovers and seatbag all come with reflective material. My colleagues tell me that I am lit up like a x-mas tree when they see me riding at night, which is very reassuring to me.

Still, I am lucky to have a very low traffic commuting route. The downside is that on some stretches there is no lighting at all, which is the other reason for me to carry sufficient lighting.

I had a close call last night with one of those drivers. I was on the "main" road and he was pulling out of a side road. He starts to pull out in front of me in spite of the fact that I had 5 headlights on. I braked, and sounded my AirZounds, his response was basically, "Sorry, dude I didn't see you."

Before upgrading lights, I would consider getting an reflective vest. I saw someone wearing one recently and it he was incredibly easy to see. It is hard to imagine getting tail lights bright enough to mix it up in serious traffic and really be noticed. This one looks pretty sweet, no batteries required: Amphipod Full-Visibility Reflective Vest

I wish the cycling jackets had as much reflective stuff as a reflective vest. I added reflective tape to my jackets, so that if I wear them I skip the vest.

The OP's description of his ride sounds like a nightmare to me, but it would be if I were driving my motorcycle or pickup, too. I get really stressed out in traffic. I'm fine out on my lonely, dark, rainy rural roads.

I ride in at 5:15 am and leave for home at 3:00 to 4:00 pm most days, so I don't usually ride in much traffic even though my route takes me through the densest part of downtown, a busy bridge, and then up a major commute street. I avoid rush hour. Most days.

Tonight I left at 5:30 pm and rode home in the heart of rush hour. It was already dark. There were cars everywhere, headlights and brake lights thick and blinking, like being a ranch dog in a big herd of steel cattle. Traffic was so thick that for some of the ride, I was moving faster than traffic, passing them in my bike lane, even up a modest grade.

This made me nervous. Most drivers figure if they haven't recently passed a cyclist then they can turn right no problem. So I was worried about being right hooked. To my surprise the drivers did in fact seem to be checking the bike lane before turning, on several occasions a car clearly waited until I passed to make its right turn. Then again, there was the lady who pulled without looking into the bike lane to get to a parking space, but I saw that coming and it only slowed me down. I hate losing momentum on an uphill but there's not always a choice.

I had switched on all my lights, the NiteRider on the bars and the generic Cree XML T6 spot on the helmet. This really helped. When I'm coming up behind a car that is slowing or edging over, whose driver might just be thinking about pulling into that driveway or side street, I put the spot right into his rear window, the whole cabin lights up and his rear view mirror is suddenly blinding bright. I'm fairly sure it helps me get noticed. Same if I'm approaching an intersection and a car is creeping out into my path, the driver's face gets lit up and the car lurches to a stop.

My lights seem to make me unpopular with other riders, as I come up behind them, they see their shadows in the growing pool of bright light, then they swerve and look around for the bright menacing thing, when they see it is another cyclist and I can sort of feel their irritation. Or maybe I'm imagining it. We commuters seem like a surly lot, there's never any chit chat or even hellos or waves as pleasure riders often exchange. It feels like we are grimly, intently forging through the minefields and dangers, and have no thought to spare for each other beyond "I hope it's him and not me".

On the rear I had double red blinkies, which felt just a little inadequate in that sea of red lights. I think I will investigate amber blinkies and more reflective tape. Some riders with panniers put big patches of reflective tape on the back side of the bags, and they stand out like glowing warning squares. Seems like a good thing.

And then there are the (deleted) bike ninjas. The riders with no lights at all, invisible ghosts who appear from nowhere in their fashionably dark clothing. I hate them, almost ran into, or was run into by, two of those prick heads tonight. I wish the police would ticket them just like they'd ticket a car driving at night with no lights.

I guess it wasn't really a relaxing ride home. But in a sort of aggressive, pumping, teeth-gritted way, I enjoyed it. Glad I don't get to have this particular kind of fun too often.

My commute home yesterday was very similar to yours. About 2/3's or so of the 10-mile ride, there is no bike lane, and there are parked cars on the side, so I take the lane. This usually isn't a problem on 2-lane (in each direction) roads...I had no one honking or yelling. There were at least a couple times where I thought I was going to get a right-hook, but the drivers waited for me to pass before proceeding. I run my NiteRider MiNewt 500 on strobe mode, so it's certain to get people's attention.

I've actually found that it's been more pleasant riding in the dark on my commutes. I think the blinking lights in the dark are much more eye-catching than a cyclist simply lit up by the sun. I've had fewer right-hooks, fewer people yelling, and more people allowing me to merge.

like being a ranch dog in a big herd of steel cattle.

Yeah, I think of it as herding cars. I haven't done that in quite a while though. Hulen Street here in Fort Worth used to be part of one of my commute routes home. It is a busy retail area, 2-3 lanes each way with medians but no shoulder or bike lane, so taking the lane is essential.


I guess it wasn't really a relaxing ride home. But in a sort of aggressive, pumping, teeth-gritted way, I enjoyed it. Glad I don't get to have this particular kind of fun too often.


Yeah, there is a certain thrill to riding like your life depends on it.

Tru dat.

That ninja is quite possibly someone who forgot their lights, had their lights stolen, or is flat out broke. I personally find cyclists who call out other cyclists to be far more irritating than ninjas.

Before upgrading lights, I would consider getting an reflective vest. I saw someone wearing one recently and it he was incredibly easy to see. It is hard to imagine getting tail lights bright enough to mix it up in serious traffic and really be noticed. This one looks pretty sweet, no batteries required: Amphipod Full-Visibility Reflective Vest



Good point, and I am sure that vest would help. However, you can't see that vest half mile away like you can see my lights. I trust my lights front and rear with my life!!:beer:

That ninja is quite possibly someone who forgot their lights, had their lights stolen, or is flat out broke. I personally find cyclists who call out other cyclists to be far more irritating than ninjas.

I don't think they mean it that way. Most people that comment on others without lights are just a little upset on how little the non-light crowd value their lives. IMO, we all together on this.. All our disdain should be directed at the unresponsible car drivers.. :beer:

I'll agree with the OP that driving in the above conditions takes the fun out of commuting, -but- my least favorite situation is early morning heavy traffic (if it's dark, so much the worse), where drivers are half asleep, anxious to get to work and usually texting their family/friends/colleagues. The fear of being rear ended, even with carnival intensity lighting, is always present and I've had quite a few near-hits, especially now with less ambient light due to shorter days.

Telly, what kind of lights you running in the rear?

I am running fairly inexpensive stuff on my rear lights, but my rear system gives me confidence that they do see me.

Telly, what kind of lights you running in the rear?

I am running fairly inexpensive stuff on my rear lights, but my rear system gives me confidence that they do see me.I agree. Sometimes drivers show irritation that I'm on the roads, but they always see me - I have a couple of blinkies back there that cost less than $40. Someone hitting you from behind is extremely rare.

Some people think it sucks to ride in the dark and in traffic and dark with traffic but if you are lit up and have done everything you can to be seen, you can focus on the ride. Does it require paying more attention? Heck yes. But I look at it like it requires a different sent of skills to ride in the dark, with traffic at rush hour. Is it fun? He11 yes.

Around here, anyway, I find bicycling at night better then other times, esp sunrise or sunset. The cars seem to give me more room. I think my rear blinkies and bright headlight help that cause. It doesn't seem to help as much as during the day. I [almost] always ride with the rear blinky on day or not and I think it also helps during the day, but not as much.

Good point, and I am sure that vest would help. However, you can't see that vest half mile away like you can see my lights. I trust my lights front and rear with my life!!:beer:
I don't know of any vehicles that can hit me from a half mile away. Being visible at 360 degrees inside of 50 yards would be my goal.

That ninja is quite possibly someone who forgot their lights, had their lights stolen, or is flat out broke. I personally find cyclists who call out other cyclists to be far more irritating than ninjas.

Then, as to ninjas, consider me an irritant. :notamused:

So a cager that forgets to turn on his lights, has one or two not operating, or is too broke to have a car with working lights would be ok, too?

I don't know of any vehicles that can hit me from a half mile away. Being visible at 360 degrees inside of 50 yards would be my goal.

Great! :beer:

My half mile example was just showing how visible I am. If I am seen a half mile away, anything closer is a piece of cake. If the choice came between vest and lights, or which is best, the vest wouldn't even be close!! ;)

In addition, in the arena I ride in (cars doing 50mph+)50 yards don't cut it. If they only began see me at the 50yds, then I am considered hit. I am talking about fast traffic.. ;)

Telly, what kind of lights you running in the rear?
I am running fairly inexpensive stuff on my rear lights, but my rear system gives me confidence that they do see me.

I'm running the following units:

284337
Dynohub powered / always-on / steady-light 4 minute function (adheres to German safety regulations since the bike's from there)


284338
Quick flashing mode (this is the attention grabber and the one which probably irritates the drivers more than anything else).


284339
Rear light (blinking) built into the adjustment knob of the helmet (not too bright, but can be easily seen).



..and when touring or on longer trips, I add the following to the pannier:

284340

I'm running the following units:

284337
Dynohub powered / always-on / steady-light 4 minute function (adheres to German safety regulations since the bike's from there)


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Quick flashing mode (this is the attention grabber and the one which probably irritates the drivers more than anything else).


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Rear light (blinking) built into the adjustment knob of the helmet (not too bright, but can be easily seen).



..and when touring or on longer trips, I add the following to the pannier:

284340

What/Where did you buy it? Was it imported to Greece?

Photo :D

What/Where did you buy it? Was it imported to Greece?
Photo :D

I bought two Corratec bikes (2nd for a friend) from the online store Chain Reaction Cycles in the UK. Both bikes were shipped via DHL Road Freight and took about a week to reach Athens from Belfast.

Here's the original post for my bike:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=69510&PartnerID=2812&awc=2698_1316311358_e69cf9ecae375c7f9850542ee3661649

And here's my bike after I modified it for commuting:
284364

I bought two Corratec bikes (2nd for a friend) from the online store Chain Reaction Cycles in the UK. Both bikes were shipped via DHL Road Freight and took about a week to reach Athens from Belfast.

Here's the original post for my bike:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=69510&PartnerID=2812&awc=2698_1316311358_e69cf9ecae375c7f9850542ee3661649

And here's my bike after I modified it for commuting:
284364

Sweet ride! I really like those Corratec bieks!

Sweet ride! I really like those Corratec bieks!

There are some good deals on last years models even after $100 shipping to the USA. Some of them might even be in my size, but I'd hate to buy a bike without trying it out (especially since even after reading sizing charts I don't really understand them). I guess I'll stick to my original plan and wait until next summer and buy a bike when I'm in Europe. After all, it won't do me any good in the USA for the couple of weeks I plan on biking in Europe anyway.

There are some good deals on last years models even after $100 shipping to the USA. Some of them might even be in my size, but I'd hate to buy a bike without trying it out (especially since even after reading sizing charts I don't really understand them). I guess I'll stick to my original plan and wait until next summer and buy a bike when I'm in Europe. After all, it won't do me any good in the USA for the couple of weeks I plan on biking in Europe anyway.

$100 is a pretty good price for air shipping from UK to US.

Also, they're really nicely priced with the dynamos/lights/fenders/racks built-in the bike.

Honestly, they're superb value for money.

I'm running the following units:

284337
Dynohub powered / always-on / steady-light 4 minute function (adheres to German safety regulations since the bike's from there)


284338
Quick flashing mode (this is the attention grabber and the one which probably irritates the drivers more than anything else).


284339
Rear light (blinking) built into the adjustment knob of the helmet (not too bright, but can be easily seen).



..and when touring or on longer trips, I add the following to the pannier:

284340

Great lights, and even greater when you running multiple lights.. :thumb:

Here is my system..

PBSF Turbo on rear of helmet, Cygolite USB on back of bike, el cheapee blinking rear on leg with 2 blinking reflective strips..Also, an 18650 on my helmet.
http://www.cehoward.net/lights03.jpg


On front of the bike, TWO 26650 so call rated at 1600 lums each.. ;) Sometimes I have one of the front lights on blinky. that is 3 strong lights facing forward. Even in heavy night time rush hour traffic, I am noticed and respected, sometimes yelled at too. ;)
http://www.cehoward.net/lights08.jpg

Good point, and I am sure that vest would help. However, you can't see that vest half mile away like you can see my lights. I trust my lights front and rear with my life!!:beer:

Agreed, last night while riding home from the LBS that I go to, I had to make a "pit stop" as it were. And there were a pair of young ladies standing outside of the store that I stopped at. They complimented me on taking my safety seriously as well as pointing out that they saw me "a mile away."

When I came back out they were still there, and we had a nice chat. They got the text that they were waiting for and went inside, and I continued on my way home.

I don't think they mean it that way. Most people that comment on others without lights are just a little upset on how little the non-light crowd value their lives. IMO, we all together on this.. All our disdain should be directed at the unresponsible car drivers.. :beer:

Actually our disdain should be directed at the irresponsible road user, regardless of their mode of transportation. As in a lot of cases when it's almost too late, I've seen a large number of walkers, joggers, dog walkers, and yes cyclists who are operating after dark while wearing dark colored clothing, and NOT using any sort of light.

I have also seen a number of walkers, joggers, dog walkers, etc. that ARE wearing light colored clothing, and using lights. As well as some dog walkers who have leashes that either have reflective material on them or that have lights on them.

$100 is a pretty good price for air shipping from UK to US.

Also, they're really nicely priced with the dynamos/lights/fenders/racks built-in the bike.

Honestly, they're superb value for money.

Yea, the price with shipping is good. I think the one I like the best that is available is a just a little small for me (54 cm). The 57cm is probably more my size but isn't in stock. I am 6'1" tall.

In Manhattan NYC between 4pm and 7:30pm you always get that tense riding all the way home. Each time I get home from that I take a deep breath and congratulate myself for surviving another day.

Re the fellow cyclists without lights: I always think they should be indebted to me because whenever I was riding behind them my headlight lit their rear reflectors to help them visible.

I have a question: Why does bright light from a bike get more respect from drivers? Is it because they thought it was from a car? Or is it just an involuntary reaction to a strong light? If either is the case, then their respect should go away once they found out it's from a bike. But then it can't be because they respect owners of expensive bright lights.

That ninja is quite possibly someone who forgot their lights, had their lights stolen, or is flat out broke. I personally find cyclists who call out other cyclists to be far more irritating than ninjas.

I can understand being broke ( am broke like 90% of the time :( ), but the other two reasons ... last time i forgot to charge my light at work and it was flat i walked home :(

ninja riders put them self and everyone else at risk.



You find cyclist who call out other cyclist irritating, how will you feel after you get hit by a ninja salmon ? I don't call someone out to be an ass i call them out to increase their and my safety.

In Manhattan NYC between 4pm and 7:30pm you always get that tense riding all the way home. Each time I get home from that I take a deep breath and congratulate myself for surviving another day.

Re the fellow cyclists without lights: I always think they should be indebted to me because whenever I was riding behind them my headlight lit their rear reflectors to help them visible.

I have a question: Why does bright light from a bike get more respect from drivers? Is it because they thought it was from a car? Or is it just an involuntary reaction to a strong light? If either is the case, then their respect should go away once they found out it's from a bike. But then it can't be because they respect owners of expensive bright lights.

What I have in bold is the answer. An involuntary reaction to a strong light. Nothing like it. Cars wait almost a full block for me to pass and then turn after I have passed... My two front lights are bright a h*ll, only cost $42 for both.. Not even close to expensive..;)

Cars wait almost a full block for me to pass and then turn after I have passed...

I imagine when they saw you passing they are cursing: "Damn, it's a bike!":D

I can understand being broke ( am broke like 90% of the time :( ), but the other two reasons ... last time i forgot to charge my light at work and it was flat i walked home :(

ninja riders put them self and everyone else at risk.

I agree with you 1,000,000% and I think/hope that just about everyone else here does to.


You find cyclist who call out other cyclist irritating, how will you feel after you get hit by a ninja salmon ? I don't call someone out to be an ass i call them out to increase their and my safety.

I've had that close call more than once. The irony is that the other day when I was either going out to the VA or the LBS that I go to. I encountered a salmon (it was during the day) and called out to him to ride on the right side of the road he responds with "ride on the sidewalk." The problems are/were that where we were there was no sidewalk and he himself was riding (illegally) in the road.

Fortunately for me, I had taken the lane so I didn't have to swerve to avoid him, but if I'd been riding in the right side tire track I would have.
I can understand being broke ( am broke like 90% of the time :( ), but the other two reasons ... last time i forgot to charge my light at work and it was flat i walked home :(

ninja riders put them self and everyone else at risk.

I agree with you 1,000,000% and I think/hope that just about everyone else here does to.


You find cyclist who call out other cyclist irritating, how will you feel after you get hit by a ninja salmon ? I don't call someone out to be an ass i call them out to increase their and my safety.

I've had that close call more than once. The irony is that the other day when I was either going out to the VA or the LBS that I go to. I encountered a salmon (it was during the day) and called out to him to ride on the right side of the road he responds with "ride on the sidewalk." The problems are/were that where we were there was no sidewalk and he himself was riding (illegally) in the road.

Fortunately for me, I had taken the lane so I didn't have to swerve to avoid him, but if I'd been riding in the right side tire track I would have.

cehoward, where did you get those lights on your bars? I like them.