Originally Posted by
AdamDZ
Better be seen than be dead. Some people perhaps cross the line of sanity with the lights, but I can't hold that again them. Many drivers drive around the city with their high beams on, extra sets of fog lights, halogens and what not, most older cars have improperly adjusted lights, motorcycle lights are blinding too on and nobody gives a rat's ass, suddenly bicycle lights are too bright. F**k that, honestly.
I ride with two MagicShine lights on high, on bike paths I turn them off and switch to a lower power blinkie. On streets they're on high. If somebody has a problem with that they can go and f**k themselves. Seriously.
My posts are usually calm and polite but this bulls**t with "OMG, bike lights are too bright!" pisses me off. If it blinds you, that means it's working, if it bothers you, too bad, slow down or get out of my way.
I agree. The concept of the blinking light is to BE SEEN! I ride with B&M IXON IQ on high and a Dinotte 200 on strobe on the front and a Dinotte 140 on strobe in the rear through rural and small town Alabama for early morning and evening commutes year round through dusk and dark. Before I had the front flasher, I had a crash and several close calls with cagers making left turns from the opposite direction right in front of me. Their response was, "uhh, I didn't see you." my steady headlight just blended with background light. Once, I got the front light on strobe, no more problems. I also ride at night on randanneuring events with groups of riders; during these rides, I, of course, turn the Dinottes on to low steady. If I was riding at night on a MUPS in would, of course, turn off the strobe. I have had numerous cagers compliment my lights for visibility in day and night conditions. I have never had a cager complain about the lights. Cyclists have complained, and I will accomodate if safety is not compromised. Two premises: My life is more important than your irritation. Common sense and common courtesy.