Old 01-23-08, 12:26 AM
  #56  
SSP
Software for Cyclists
 
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redding, California
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Bikes: Trek 5200, Specialized MTB

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I don't understand how my flashing taillights could possibly "confuse" a driver. As a driver, when I see the typical flashing pattern of a cyclist's blinkie, I immediately think - "there's a bike in the road up ahead", and adjust my speed and lane position accordingly.

And with most cyclists flashing vs. steady is not an "either-or" proposition. Most of us have some flashers, but also steady state reflectors, and "up-down" pedal and crank arm reflectors. It all adds up to a clear message that says, "Hey, dummy! There's a bike in the road...be careful!".

IMO, a flashing blinkie is much more quickly identified as a bike in the road. A steady state light might be mistaken for a reflector on a mailbox, or some other unimportant light source. But a flashing LED is much more quickly identified as a bike (though my DiNotte 140L may sometimes be mistaken for a UFO landing site ).
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