Originally Posted by
Coluber42
A flashing light might in some cases catch people's attention, but it does disrupt a person's ability to track it and effectively gauge how far away it is and how fast it's traveling.
The supposed problems with tracking flashing lights is overrated, especially when you concider that rear lights are mostly seen from behind (where they don't move across the visual field.
The benefit of flashing is that it makes these small lights easier to see from a farther distance (giving more time to drivers to realize there is something ahead).
That is, the purpose of a rear light isn't for tracking. It's to be noticed as a cyclist. The earlier, the better.
Originally Posted by
Coluber42
It also REALLY, REALLY annoys some of your fellow cyclists (also, make sure that it's pointed back, not up into other cyclists' eyes).
Yes.
Originally Posted by
Coluber42
Pedal and/or ankle reflectors create attention-getting movement, but in addition they vaguely outline a human form, making you more immediately recognizable. Studies have shown that a few points of light or reflective material at the extremities show the motion of your body in a way that makes it immediately obvious what you are far more effectively than just a red light, which can resemble a stop light or signal or other incidental, ignorable roadside object. That's why events (and RUSA rules) require ankle bands and reflective vests or sashes that wrap around your body or go a substantial way toward wrapping around.
The reflecting ankle straps are a big help but they might be noticed later than a flashing light source.