As far as flashers, my opinion is that distance is not a problem. In particular, the flashers draw attention to the cyclist, then the driver can see the whole cyclist (as long as the light isn't a blinding light). I'd avoid running daytime lights at night. I followed on on my bike once, WHEW!!!!
Yes, you want to be seen, but it doesn't help to blind the person approaching you.
I've added a reflective rear triangle (slow moving) to one of my trailers, and need to consider better reflective markers on my gear. I believe this augments the lights at night.
Personally I don't run daytime lights on my regular bikes, although I can understand the arguments. I do try to use bright clothing. I've been experimenting with a trike, and do run the lights during the day on that.
Originally Posted by
taz777
I find that a lot of bike lights, particularly rear lights, have a very focused beam that almost resembles someone pointing a laser pointer at you! I wish there was more thought out into light diffusers to spread the light pattern more evenly.
Perhaps a little too focused of a beam, but I think the idea is to take a relatively dim light source, and focus it in the direction of most danger (straight back).
The lights should, however, also have some side visibility. My headlamp has a ring of LEDs around the outer edge (they should have blanked out those upward ones). I run the forward light Plus the ring in the city, then turn off the ring when I get out to the country roads for better night vision.