My light blinks in a psuedo-randomized pattern. I don't have it on the bike now (Summer) or I'd provide the brand/model. I believe it is much more easily seen than a steady light, even if that steady light were brighter (and mine is a fairly bright LED light). There are lots of steady lights around - flashing in a weird pattern helps to stand out from the background lights. But trying to fully light the path in front of me would require multiple bright lights. I know my route very well, it is reasonable well lit, and I can see far enough ahead of myself to maintain my normal bike path speed without accepting any significant additional risk over what there is in daytime.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. :-P~~