Originally Posted by
Rubble
… There are two guys I regularly see - one always going the opposite direction and another I always pass - that have no lights at all. On Friday the guy I pass was wearing black shorts and a black shirt. It's pitch black outside!
While I want to call out "hey pal, get some lights" I've kept my mouth shut and hope the local cop will stop him.
Should I say something or is this a Ron White 'you can't fix stupid' deal?
Started on 10/26/15 was a similar thread on A&S,
”What do you say to a cyclist riding at night w/o lights or reflectors?,” that was closed after 79 replies so I can't link to it. The replies ranged similar to those above. My post was,
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
I'm inclined not to give advice. Most frequently when I encounter a ninja while riding, my surprised "Whoa!" hopefully indicates to them that I didn't see them.
On one occasion I did admonish a cyclist with oncoming too-bright, blinding lights on a darkened MUP, and though I couldn't make out the words, it sounded like a Mind-Your-Own-Business reply. On my AM commute currently as now it's in the dark, it seems there are not a few riders who (self-righteously) overdo the lights to the detriment of oncoming riders, but that's another topic.
Since that thread though, I did pass a seemingly new rider and suggested that her rear, steady red light was kind of dim, and she thanked me as I passed with my bright flashing rear blinkie. This AM I went by a skateboarder, and though on a well lit segment, I shouted “
Ninja,” and he seemed to smile in acknowledgement. Since i only see ninjas on my commute to work, I’m not inclined to stop and prostelytize.
If inclined, one needs to says something clearly,and definitively to get the message across. My best thought so far is ‘
”Heads up.” as if I am suddenly surprised by their presence, because I was startled since I just saw them. (I also use that with oncoming lit-up riders too). And let's not forget the peds, skateboarders, dog walkers, etc.