Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Tire reflectors could be mandated. A bit difficult for the international marketplace, but many companies have already adopted them.
Schwalbe uses tire reflectors. I don't believe Continental does. However, I couldn't imagine Continental would give up the entire US marketplace. Of course grey market parts may get around that. What percent of the US tires are grey market?
Many people swap front/rear tires, so I'm not sure I'd go for red reflector tires... what about the next time they get mounted forward? Still, anything is better than nothing.
I'm not sure blinking lights are mentioned in any laws. I think they were adopted by the bicycle community both to save energy and to provide better contrast... and that was about 25 years ago.
I had a NightSun years ago. But, bright lights are really just now hitting the mainstream. So, it is time to start evaluating dimmers and directed beam lights. It is now possible to get bicycle lights that are brighter than auto high-beam lights.
There is also a growing number of users of cleated cycling specific shoes/pedals. WITHOUT REFLECTORS. It would be natural to reflectorize the shoes. Again, something the government could easily mandate.
Only some Schwalbe tires have a reflective band, typically Marathon and other touring/city tires. Road tires like Schwalbe Durano or One do not have a reflective band. Same with Continental, though i am not familiar with their tire offerings.
Separate red and white tires creates a huge confusion. I saw tires front to rear when the rear wears out. Also creating a requirement for different color reflective bands for distinct front and rear tires creates a manufacturing and logistical nightmare.
A $30 light using 1 18650 battery is about 30mm diameter and about 120mm long, and outputs more light than a $300 HID light from 10 years ago that needs 4-6 D batteries with the light head the size of my fist.