Originally Posted by
LV2TNDM
Flashing white front and rear red on the road ALL THE TIME. I've worn hi-vis vests for years. Sure, they HELP, but they're nothing like a flashing light. I won't ride without 'em anymore.
One might argue solid might reduce annoyance to other road users, but this is peripheral. If drivers are so "concerned" about flashing lights "hurting their sensitive eyes," then perhaps they should STOP MOWING PEOPLE DOWN! If they didn't behave so egregiously behind the wheel, perhaps we wouldn't need lights! And if our transportation infrastructure supported safe cycling more, then ok.
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I am not a driver and it does hurt my eyes and everyone's eyes and makes things more dangerous. The goal is visibility not blinding people. Blinding people doesn't help anyones cause unless it is some pro-blindness charity. Agreed cars should drive more carefully 100% no question there but if we look at every other road user beyond emergency vehicles everyone uses solid front light and generally flashing lights are illegal and for good reason.
You do not ever need a flashing light unless in an emergency and I think it is especially worse on a shared path or bike path. I would also state that cars do not need these ultra bright lights that aren't even high beams they are just regular lights. For cyclists we need good decently bright lights but more importantly a good beam pattern with a proper cut off at the top similar to STvZO lights. We need good visibility again not blinding. Off-road a big bright floodlight makes sense so you can see better on a mountain bike trail at night but riding on the road or paved path good beam pattern is the most important thing and something a lot of people ignore and just think I NEED BRIGHTNESSS!!!!!! You don't need as much if the beam pattern is crap.