Originally Posted by
AlmostTrick
Yes I have noticed this too, and I believe it's due to the same reason I receive less harassment in poor weather. Drivers figure I must be on the bike for essential transportation... not playing in "their" street just for kicks and recreation, like the summer racer groups do. Plus, in the winter there are simply a lot less bikes, so drivers likely find it much more tolerable.
Like Joey, I too "feel much safer and better seen after dark - from motorists" with my lights and reflectors. But unlike him I have little fear of human criminals on my night rides. It's wildlife that concerns me. In the darkness it would be easy for an animal to pop out into my path with no notice, even though I have a powerful head light. It does cause me to limit my speed at some points.
Your fault for living in the pinny woods. In the city we have only the human animal to be concerned with. In any event, your " more safer feeling" is an illusion since statistically you are more likely to be in an accident at night.
As for the animals, that problem is easily solve once your realize they don't pop out on you, rather, it is the opposite that puts you in their habitat and path of travel. Forget about more lights and use sounds as you invade instead.