Rear lights: steady or blinking?
12-15-14, 03:27 PM
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Rear lights: steady or blinking?
This MUST have been discussed to death, but I can't find it. Also not sure if this is the best forum (Road Cycling as opposed to Commuting). I've been told by both bicyclists/motorists and just motorists that rapidly blinking rear lights are a distraction and incite the reflex to drive toward the light. On the other hand, a blinking light gets attention. I'm thinking that a steady red might be more ignored. I have a Planet Cycle Turbo with a blink pattern that could cause seizures in borderline cases and I have a Light & Motion that has a slow pulse. Both also have full steady red.
Obviously, I want by back protected while I look into the souls of the motorists ahead of me. Has there been a consensus of opinion as to the "best" red pattern?
Obviously, I want by back protected while I look into the souls of the motorists ahead of me. Has there been a consensus of opinion as to the "best" red pattern?
12-15-14, 03:31 PM
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Blinking
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12-15-14, 03:33 PM
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Usually blinking, but steady if you're bunch riding.
12-15-14, 05:35 PM
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Both. I have a blinking light on my bike and have a halo belt on my waist on steady
12-15-14, 05:39 PM
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Fietslampjes bedrukt met logo, als relatiegeschenk of promotiemiddel
12-15-14, 05:59 PM
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I use a Cateye LD-1100. It features two rows of LEDs, each row individually configurable. I set the top row for steady, and the bottom row blinking. They're still available, online and at LBSes.
12-15-14, 06:38 PM
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+1 on that.
I have noticed a difference in headlights when it comes to blinking vs. steady. Drivers seem to see the blinking headlight much better. I'm sure the same goes for rear lights, but I've never ridden with just a steady rear light before.
I have noticed a difference in headlights when it comes to blinking vs. steady. Drivers seem to see the blinking headlight much better. I'm sure the same goes for rear lights, but I've never ridden with just a steady rear light before.
12-15-14, 06:57 PM
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Blinking if riding solo or off the back.
12-15-14, 07:13 PM
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I go with blinking rapidly front and rear.
The rapid blinking seems more unique to bike riders and pedestrians then a steady light or the slow blinking when. I’m driving a car if I see the rapid blinking I know it’s most likely a bike.
Unless they notice your movement a steady light could be almost anything and the slow blinking light could be the blinker of a car.
The rapid blinking seems more unique to bike riders and pedestrians then a steady light or the slow blinking when. I’m driving a car if I see the rapid blinking I know it’s most likely a bike.
Unless they notice your movement a steady light could be almost anything and the slow blinking light could be the blinker of a car.
12-15-14, 07:41 PM
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12-15-14, 08:21 PM
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Both. Blinky attracts attention better, but steady lights are better for judging location/distance.
12-15-14, 09:04 PM
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Four tail lights on my night-ride bike. Two PB Superflash, 1 Cygolite Hotshot, and 1 Foxfire. All set to blink. Do not forget to wear a high-viz safety vest with silver reflective panels. Very visible.
Last edited by doctor j; 12-16-14 at 06:52 AM.
12-15-14, 10:00 PM
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Blinking on my CX and knight rider strobe affect on HT
12-16-14, 03:04 AM
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This MUST have been discussed to death, but I can't find it. Also not sure if this is the best forum (Road Cycling as opposed to Commuting). I've been told by both bicyclists/motorists and just motorists that rapidly blinking rear lights are a distraction and incite the reflex to drive toward the light. On the other hand, a blinking light gets attention. I'm thinking that a steady red might be more ignored. I have a Planet Cycle Turbo with a blink pattern that could cause seizures in borderline cases and I have a Light & Motion that has a slow pulse. Both also have full steady red.
Obviously, I want by back protected while I look into the souls of the motorists ahead of me. Has there been a consensus of opinion as to the "best" red pattern?
Obviously, I want by back protected while I look into the souls of the motorists ahead of me. Has there been a consensus of opinion as to the "best" red pattern?
Also, don't get one of those fancy tiny silicone things. Get something bright and visible.
12-16-14, 06:51 AM
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From eons on motorcycles, I've learned that, especially drunk drivers, drive toward steady light. It's called 'target fixation' and it is the reason so many cops and 'pulled over drivers' get rear ended.
12-16-14, 06:57 AM
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Hah, I got flamed on here several years ago for suggesting target fixation was actually a thing. But of course, I work at the US DOT so what the hell do I know about that stuff?
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12-16-14, 07:08 AM
#22
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"steady light" meaning non-blinking? But cops are blinking, aren't they?
12-16-14, 09:47 AM
#23
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Actually it's the blinking light that attracts drunks and it's called "moth effect" and the reason so many cop cars get hit alongside the road.
