I ride most of the time with my light on dim. Bright is nice for the occasional moment when a bit of extra lighting is appropriate such as a fast descent or a particularly dark path.

I always point it down when passing other cyclists and pedestrians, and try to do it for cars too. Dimming should be a sign that I see them. Although I have had a problem on a bike path where I saw one person, dimmed my light, and almost didn't see the cyclist behind them.

Until 100% of the cyclists, pedestrians, dogs, and other MUP users have lights and reflectors, I have no problem with using a light that lets me see them.

Sometime I'll spring for a light with an engineered beam.

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I flash on the lowest setting at dusk, and one well-lit center island MUP with low lamp posts. I haven't found a need for the bright flash yet.