Originally Posted by
veggie_lover
It is definitely needed , there are many times when you and a car approach at an intersection at the same time, so the car can't see your front light too well. Also useful if traveling on 6-lane roads ( 3 each way ) and you have to change lanes. I have only been without it for 100 miles and already several instances have come up where I knew it would have helped motorists see me better.
Here's my point, though, and it actually doesn't have a lot to do with us and our bikes --
At an intersection, side lighting is only important if you're sitting in the middle in the path of oncoming traffic. And, while crossing several lanes, it's only important if you have someone nearby and traveling at the same speed. In either case, if you're in a position where a driver has to jump on their brakes to avoid hitting you, it's a dangerous position.
The trick is, we can't
rely on motorists to see us, even if we're lit like a Vegas hotel sign. Most drivers do pretty darned well in staying aware, but all it takes is one who's distracted enough and our day is ruined. That's how my first car got totaled, in fact -- the driver was dealing with her crying baby and ran a red light, then smashed into the right rear of my car at maybe 30-35 mph.
Buy as many lights as you want. But, ride like a bike ninja just in case they still can't see you.