Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Don't worry about the law... Lights make you SAFE. Some people advocate using them all the time.
As
jefnvk mentioned, 9:00 us usually pretty safe, but hours change, and by mid winter, it could still be a little dark by 8:00 AM. Likewise, if you use daylight savings time, then by mid winter, it is dark by 4:00 or 5:00.
Depending on where I am, I'll sometimes turn the taillight on at dusk (as soon as it would make a difference in rear visibility), but sometimes wait on the headlight until I need it to help me see. Or, I'll put the headlight on flash at dusk, then on steady when it gets dark.
I use flashers on the rear. I think it improves visibility, and identifies on as a bicycle, although some European countries require solid red for the rear. Do what others do. Flashing the headlight is annoying when it is dark, but ok at dusk.
Oh, another thing to think about is riding into the sunset. If you can't see, then the cars around you can't see you either. So, use extra caution, and turn on your taillight.
I've always had both my lights on flashing and i've hardly ever seen any cyclist in my area with a steady front light it's always flashing and rear i always have it on flashing. i turn my lights on when it's raining as well and i know some countries don't allow flashing lights like in the Netherlands. Also i remember once when i put my lights on in daytime as it was supposed to rain later.
yeah i know what you mean when you have to ride in the sunset. That can be annoying as it blinds you.
With the lights a van driver said your lights are too bright once to me. I personally prefer not to say anything when some driver says something as i didn't want to get in an argument/hold up traffic There not that bright there not as bright as dipped headlights. So i didn't really get why he said that. Was he just being annoying because he was waiting behind me because i was waiting for a mini roundabout to clear.?