Originally Posted by
dalava
Most lights have different settings: the brightest blinking mode is really for cars. When you are riding in a pack or with other rides behind you, it's commonly recommended that you put on SOLID light, in whatever brightness that's appropriate. So, if someone comes behind you and ask you turn the blinkie thingy to solid, take as he's just reading you the owner's manual.
When I'm riding with a pack I'll have my older less bright one, and have it on solid.
But I won't reduce my visibility just because some rando might happen to want to jump on my wheel while I'm commuting.
My headlight is the same way. One day a runner came by very dramatically holding both hands over his eyes... while looking directly into the light. Moron. If you look where you're going, my lights won't blind you.