Originally Posted by
DiabloScott
If your lights are too bright, they can reduce the ability of the oncoming rider to see the road... this happens to me all the time on the path. I'm looking for the side of the path and judging the distance between myself and the other people on the trail and if a bright light is in my eyes I almost have to come to a stop; this is especially a problem with helmet lights because people tend to shine them in my face.
When you see another rider approaching from the front just put one hand over your bar light and make sure you're looking down or away from approaching riders. It's courteous and safer.
This is not a problem of the lights being too bright, but rather that the light is not directed properly. It should be focused some distance on the road directly ahead of you, with minimal spill (particular up spill)... If done so, then almost no amount is too bright.