Originally Posted by
geo8rge
There is no proof that rear lights help or hurt. Most drivers will see you fine without any lights as cars have very bright lights. It is not clear that a little red light means much, an impaired drive may not see it or misjudge its distance.
I would say bright clothing is most important in identifying you as a cyclist.
This is not my personal experience......even in urban settings with street lights and at dusk a cyclist with rear blinker and or front light/blinky is much more visible from a greater distance than those without lights. Same with reflective materials.....the more there is the higher on the bike or person the more visible I see them far earlier and can be aware of them.
bottom line is cars hit lots of objects because "I didn't see it" personally i stack my odds by being visible.