Originally Posted by
Square & Compas
For some reason Iowa's light law when it comes to bicycles is a light on the front that has to be seen form a certain distance by others, but only a reflector is required for the rear. There is nothing that says the light on the front has to have the ability to effectivley light up what is in front of the bike enough for the rider to see.
I am not looking to change this. If I announced I was I'm sure I'd be pounced on by others here like they pounce on people when it comes to helmet laws.
What I would like to know is does this make sense to you? Doesn't using a flashing rear red light make you easier to be seen, thus make it safer for you to ride at night? Do you think using a light vs. reflector is a personal choice like with a helmet vs. not wearing one? Do you think using a light vs. reflector makes riding at night safer?
For the record I use 5, yes I said 5, red flashing tail lights when I ride at night.
For bicycle lighting though, some places require a rear reflector, some require a rear light, for example in Ontario Canada, we have this:
Lights and reflectors on bicycles, etc.
(17) When on a highway at any time from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres or less, every motor-assisted bicycle and bicycle (other than a unicycle) shall carry a lighted lamp displaying a white or amber light on its front and a lighted lamp displaying a red light or a reflector approved by the Ministry on its rear, and in addition white reflective material shall be placed on its front forks, and red reflective material covering a surface of not less than 250 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width shall be place on its rear. 2009, c. 5, s. 28 (1).
I'll admit, I have the lights, but other then a wheel reflector, I don't have the reflective material.