Originally Posted by
rumrunn6
let's not forget this aspect: the visibility thing isn't just about being seen, or even just about being seen early, it's also a screaming plea: "please don't kill me &/or please gimme a freakin' break, will ya?" almost like an Asian bow "please & thank you" from wiki: Bows are a required and expected part of any apology or expression of thanks in East Asia, especially Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
But in Tokyo only one in about twenty riders (maybe less) uses any rear lights at night, and it's not much better with front lights...
I tend to only use lights on my commute during the day if it is overcast or my front to strobe when the sun is low and at my back.