Am I an Overkill?
 

Its been quite some time since I have been here.

Just wanna know what you folks think if what I do is an overkill.

When I ride at night (sometimes I have to), I
1. Wear a reflective safety vest.
2. Follow the traffic flow.
3. Have 2 Cateye headlaps up front.
4. Have a Bar End Rear View Mirror.
5. Have a blinker on my seat post.
6. Have a laser blinker that shows two lines beside me on the road.
7. Reflective tapes/stickers on my
- Handle bar end
- Rims
- Frame
- Pedal and crank
- a triangle reflective on the panniers.
- back and sides of helmet
8. Bell on my handle
:D:D:D:D:D:D

Appreciate your feedbacks.

If all that makes you feel good, go for it. Remember though, the way you ride makes more difference than any kit you may or may not have.

have you forgotten your tin-foil hat?

Am I an Overkill?

Maybe. Motorists may be too busy working out the red laser lines, and the rest of it, to watch the road. If a car driver is like some cyclists I know, who steer towards what they look at, you might inadvertently become the target.

Jokes aside, the main idea is to be noticed long before the driver cannot react in time to avoid you. Though these days with so many drivers texting, eating, and playing with the radio, its seems impossible not to be hit. IMHO a cyclist needs to be noticed and that is all. If I became a distraction I do not think I am helping the driver to avoid me, or others riding with me.

But please do whatever you need to do to feel safe. However, if you still feel apprehensive with all those visuals, then your confidence in riding, taking command of your space and applying the traffic rules in a positive and timely manner, will be hampered...as europa pointed out.

Thanks guys, yep my riding etiquette is still god. Stopping at the top signs, red lights, keeping to the sides, following all traffic rules and signage and being defensive.

Keeping to the sides isn't always the best approach. No doubt there will be some debate on this, but on very narrow roads, you are often better off taking the whole lane, so drivers don't think they can pass you, and then fail to give you enough room.

You may want to consider adding a pool noodle instead of the laser lanes.

www.thestar.com/amp/news/gta/2016/10/18/cyclist-says-his-pool-noodle-makes-toronto-streets-safer-for-him.html

Also, you only have one rear light. Put a rear light on your helmet too. Sometimes, motorists drive at night without their lights on.

When I ride at night on my bikes I have...
-A reflective vest,
-Follow the Traffic Flow
-A NiteRider head lamp up front
-A fork mounted blinkie
-A 2nd low power light on the front of my helmet with amber side markers
-A red blinkie onthe rear of my helmet
-A red tailight on my bike
-Reflective tape on my helmet, bike fork, rear fender (varies by bike)
-Reflective tire sidewalls on my main commuter
-Bar-end Mirror
-Glasses-mount take-a-look mirror
-Bell
-Air Horn
-Monkey Light spoke lights on my main commuter (thanks to my sister).

So, no.

Besides...better "overkill" than "roadkill".

My night time set up is as follows:

Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 rear light
Cygolite Metro 460 front light
Whatever reflective bits are on my cycling clothing/shoes

That is it. I want to be noticed, not stared at and then hit by a driver totally distracted by my bike. Be noticed, but not necessarily drawing so much attention to yourself that everyone is staring.

I don't think the laser lane markers are doing you any good.
But whether driving or riding, they don't bother me, so do as you like.
When riding, I'm fairly often bothered by poorly aligned, high-intensity lights.
Can't tell strength or adjustment of yours from your post.
They're rarely an issue when driving.
I don't feel that blinking lights add anything when riding.
They might be easier to notice, but they're harder to pinpoint.
As a driver, I do appreciate hi-viz vests. Nothing says "unprotected human ahead" as clearly to me as seeing that easily recognizable torso light up.

Great feedback guys, Thank you. However, when I say blinkers, what I meant was rear lights. I also have a Cateye Rapid 5 on the seat post which I mode as non blinking.