apparently Louisiana has revised its motor vehicle code as of 1/1/11 to require red flashing or steady rear lights on bicycles: RS 32:329 D. After December 31, 2010, no person shall operate any bicycle at nighttime on a state highway, parish road, or city street, unless such bicycle is equipped with at least one lamp emitting a red flashing light or a red light on the rear as required by Subsection B of this Section.

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=88271

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