Rear lights: steady or blinking?
#26
Jedi Master
Looks like I'm in the small minority, but when I'm cycling I find other cyclists' blinking lights to be incredibly annoying, with the possible exception of the L&M vis 180, which is really more of a pulse than a blink. I ride a lot of miles in the dark and never use blinking lights.
#27
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,396
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,696 Times
in
2,517 Posts
#28
well hello there
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
206 Posts
Two rear lights sounds like a good idea, but one already sufficiently annoys everyone I ride with.
I put it in a low, constant, always on, mode, that strobes.
I put it in a low, constant, always on, mode, that strobes.
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
#29
John Wayne Toilet Paper
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Roanoke
Posts: 1,952
Bikes: BH carbon, Ritchey steel, Kona aluminum
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I lived in Seattle, I made a long commute of about 21mi each direction that started before dawn every day. I would typically run one solid light and one blinking light. I tend to feel that the blinking is unmistakable and impossible to miss visually but the solid light is easier to identify distance/movement etc. Of course, I also had reflective mudflaps on my fenders and some reflective patches on my light-colored bag and jersey.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Posts: 2,751
Bikes: Merlin Extra Light, Orbea Orca, Ritchey Outback,Tomac Revolver Mountain Bike, Cannondale Crit 3.0 now used for time trials.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 126 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times
in
34 Posts
Looks like I'm in the small minority, but when I'm cycling I find other cyclists' blinking lights to be incredibly annoying, with the possible exception of the L&M vis 180, which is really more of a pulse than a blink. I ride a lot of miles in the dark and never use blinking lights.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Central Coast, California
Posts: 613
Bikes: Niner RLT 9 4 Star, Kona Splice, Nashbar Carbon road bike
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got a Dinotte 400 R red taillight(Extremely blight). I've tried the slow flash, constant on and rapid flash modes. Without a question cars give me more space on the rapid flash mode, draws much more attention.
The difference in motorist behavior having a daytime bright tail light is noticeable. The light was $250 but whats your life worth?
The difference in motorist behavior having a daytime bright tail light is noticeable. The light was $250 but whats your life worth?
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Jersey
Posts: 153
Bikes: Workswell WCB-R-066 Ultegra 6800, LOOK 675 Light Ultegra Di2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Dinotte 300R as I commute from NJ to NYC with a good sized group most days.
In a group I keep the light steady and blinking while alone.
Blinking lights at that intensity are quite distracting and when there's a few in a line it's hard to see the road.
The Dinottes are the brightest tail lights out there and are visible in bright sunlight from a fairly long distance
In a group I keep the light steady and blinking while alone.
Blinking lights at that intensity are quite distracting and when there's a few in a line it's hard to see the road.
The Dinottes are the brightest tail lights out there and are visible in bright sunlight from a fairly long distance
I've got a Dinotte 400 R red taillight(Extremely blight). I've tried the slow flash, constant on and rapid flash modes. Without a question cars give me more space on the rapid flash mode, draws much more attention.
The difference in motorist behavior having a daytime bright tail light is noticeable. The light was $250 but whats your life worth?
The difference in motorist behavior having a daytime bright tail light is noticeable. The light was $250 but whats your life worth?
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 67
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Expert 2012, Specialized Stump jumper HT comp carbon, Swobo Sanchez custom build single speed freewheel.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It looks like bright blinking is the way to go. I only wonder if a slow blink is maybe the best of both worlds?
#37
Optically Corrected
Blink mode in daylight (front and back)
Constant beam at dusk/dark (front and back)
Constant beam at dusk/dark (front and back)
#38
Still can't climb
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Limey in Taiwan
Posts: 23,024
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
always blinking. it cannot be missed by a tired driver.
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Go Ducks!
Posts: 1,549
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The whole point is to be 100% noticed. Blinking.
Plus that gives my Serfas T-Bolt a fighting chance to last the whole ride.
Plus that gives my Serfas T-Bolt a fighting chance to last the whole ride.
#40
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,784
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,400 Times
in
1,934 Posts
In much of Europe, blinking rear lights are illegal.
#41
John Wayne Toilet Paper
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Roanoke
Posts: 1,952
Bikes: BH carbon, Ritchey steel, Kona aluminum
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I don't know that the blinking light is more "visible" (I kind of doubt it actually) but people know what it is. It's common on bikes, so people think "bicycle ahead" and that's enough reason for me.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,520
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20810 Post(s)
Liked 9,456 Times
in
4,672 Posts
It's certainly not universally against the law - there are some jurisdictions that require both blinking and steady lights for cyclists.
#44
Senior Member
as a car driver, I can certainly attest to the blinking gets you to notice a bike better than steady.
I use a rear blinky, and my front white light I attach to my helmet and use in blinky mode and it is incredibly effective when a side approaching car doesnt notice me---and I turn my head towards them. Being able to effectively aim my white blinky means that they suddenly see me.
I commute a lot at night in this city and blinkies front and back are the way to be noticed. The number of times over the years cars have not seen me in plain site (usually cars coming from a side street) when I had older style bike lights front and back always surprised me, and made me realize that the newer style ones (like the Planet bike turbo etc) and using my white front blinky as an aim-able light on my helmet has dramatically reduced folks in cars just not seeing me.
I use a rear blinky, and my front white light I attach to my helmet and use in blinky mode and it is incredibly effective when a side approaching car doesnt notice me---and I turn my head towards them. Being able to effectively aim my white blinky means that they suddenly see me.
I commute a lot at night in this city and blinkies front and back are the way to be noticed. The number of times over the years cars have not seen me in plain site (usually cars coming from a side street) when I had older style bike lights front and back always surprised me, and made me realize that the newer style ones (like the Planet bike turbo etc) and using my white front blinky as an aim-able light on my helmet has dramatically reduced folks in cars just not seeing me.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Central Coast, California
Posts: 613
Bikes: Niner RLT 9 4 Star, Kona Splice, Nashbar Carbon road bike
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bottom line I don't want to get hit by a car. Always wear red jerseys and jackets, and always use my tail light.
#46
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
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?
And always red in the rear and clear, white, or yellow in front.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 101
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Del Rey, 1990 RB-1, 1995 (?) Coppi Reparto Corse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looks like I'm in the small minority, but when I'm cycling I find other cyclists' blinking lights to be incredibly annoying, with the possible exception of the L&M vis 180, which is really more of a pulse than a blink. I ride a lot of miles in the dark and never use blinking lights.
Also people: Tilt your headlamps toward the road, not toward people's eyes.
Worth noting: Rules for brevets and randonnees, where riders ride in day/night light/dark conditions and who must deal with sleep deprivation, blinking lights are verboten. Jan Heine I think mentions the moth effect of the blinker causing fixation on you (remember, we go where our eyes go, bike handling 101) and personally, I'd rather be "missed" by a car than not.
Last edited by 1991BRB1; 12-17-14 at 05:11 PM.
#48
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Massachusets
Posts: 14
Bikes: Mongoose ledge 2.1 with road tires and cruiser bars
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First of all target fixation has been a fact of rear enders since at least the early 1970's.
It is the steady tail light that attracts, because the person believes they are following the car in front of them and they crash into them.
Cop cars having steady tail lights are the victims, it doesn't matter what blinking lights they have.
Steady lights does absolutely nothing for judging distance at night, for all anyone knows you can be following 2 motorcycles and have no idea how far away they are.
Moth effect? I've never heard of moth effect for humans, but moths are attracted to steady light!
I have been driving motorcycles on the road since 1958, including every day through 3 New England winters with a sidecar and chains and NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
It's target fixation!
Keep most drivers honest and run as many lights and reflectors as you want because, when it comes to drunk or tired drivers, it doesn't matter what your running for lights, your going to get rolled up like your grandmothers old carpet.
It is the steady tail light that attracts, because the person believes they are following the car in front of them and they crash into them.
Cop cars having steady tail lights are the victims, it doesn't matter what blinking lights they have.
Steady lights does absolutely nothing for judging distance at night, for all anyone knows you can be following 2 motorcycles and have no idea how far away they are.
Moth effect? I've never heard of moth effect for humans, but moths are attracted to steady light!
I have been driving motorcycles on the road since 1958, including every day through 3 New England winters with a sidecar and chains and NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
It's target fixation!
Keep most drivers honest and run as many lights and reflectors as you want because, when it comes to drunk or tired drivers, it doesn't matter what your running for lights, your going to get rolled up like your grandmothers old carpet.
Last edited by hardcharger1; 12-18-14 at 07:34 PM.
#49
Senior Member
charger, as someone who rode motorcycles a lot also (not as much as you) but importantly, much more than cars when i was young, I agree completely with you. Would add that our constant danger on two wheels is that a lot of times, car drivers are only looking for other cars, and so just dont see us. A bicycle or a Harley.
remember in I think the early 80s there was a kit you could get to make your front headlight flash all the time?
In any case, I pretty much still assume people dont see me, even in a car, have kept my old bike (motor and pushbike) habits very much as instinct.
touch wood
touch wood
remember in I think the early 80s there was a kit you could get to make your front headlight flash all the time?
In any case, I pretty much still assume people dont see me, even in a car, have kept my old bike (motor and pushbike) habits very much as instinct.
touch wood
touch wood
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Bikes: 2 many
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
169 Posts
charger, as someone who rode motorcycles a lot also (not as much as you) but importantly, much more than cars when i was young, I agree completely with you. Would add that our constant danger on two wheels is that a lot of times, car drivers are only looking for other cars, and so just dont see us. A bicycle or a Harley.
remember in I think the early 80s there was a kit you could get to make your front headlight flash all the time?
In any case, I pretty much still assume people dont see me, even in a car, have kept my old bike (motor and pushbike) habits very much as instinct.
touch wood
touch wood
remember in I think the early 80s there was a kit you could get to make your front headlight flash all the time?
In any case, I pretty much still assume people dont see me, even in a car, have kept my old bike (motor and pushbike) habits very much as instinct.
touch wood
touch wood