Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Confusing drivers as to what is coming at them goes a long way towards increasing a bicyclist safety. Surprising them (because they can’t tell you are there) doesn’t usually end well. Having a “polite light”...”Excuse me, sir but I’m over here”...may be nice but “polite” be damned when it comes to personal safety.
I wish I could find the picture I saw here years ago of one of those polite lights still dimly blinking on the handlebars of a bike that was under a truck after a fatal right hook. Once again, the driver said he didn't see the bicycle until it was too late.
And I don't have a picture of the guy who got annoyed with me one night when I shined my bright light in his eyes to get his attention before he ran into me. It was warm enough for him to have the window down, and while he complained about my interupting his texting he didn't seem to be bothered by not seeing where he was going long enough to put me at risk.