From my observation, bright, solid lights are better and less annoying. They look more like vehicle lights, especially when some cyclists use two bright solid front lights on their handlebars. The main reason I use flashing taillights is to save power, and I usually have at least another solid taillight at the same time. For front light, I can't even stand it myself. I use a strobe light that has only flood and no throw for being seen (it's mounted where the handlebar and stem meet so it's blocked from my own eyes ), and a bright light with good throw to see (and being seen).