Thanks, I'm gona get one.

Take a look at an integrated rear light/reflector like the Busch & Mueller Toplight 4D. You get a large reflector (I'm not sure what the measurements are) and four very bright LEDs. It only fits on a rear rack, though.
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.asp

+1 on the Toplight I have an older version on one of my commuters and it is a slick unit. I have no idea what the reflectors are rated but with the standlight, reflectors and the one while running light it is hard to go wrong. Then when I add my Super Flash to the mix:D anybody that claims they didn't see me has got to be legally blind.

Aaron:)

Careful here. DOT or the State Police (often referred to as the 'Department' in the law) govern reflectors for road vehicles. Most will accept CPSC, but not all.

Don't forget that the CPSC has authority over bikes because they convinced the powers that be that bikes are toys, not serious vehicles.

okay, check your local and state laws, but DON'T neglect to run a reflector if the law requires.

...and the dark rider I rode up on last night, without a blinkie, was almost completly invisible, even in the bus headlights as it passed him. his reflector was muddy.

Blinkies AND a reflector, people!

Roger that!

my rear light is 3"+ and has reflectory bits in it. if it's off and you hit it with a light it glows bright just like a reflector. i have it on almost all the time so i think i'm covered. however, if it's required by law they should come stock on bikes. Cars come with tail lights, head lights, blinkers, etc... that are required, so why can't bikes?

I agree; if cars are required by law to have safety equipment installed from the factory in order to be road legal; and if cars have to obey the laws of the road including having adequate lighting, and bicycles also must obey the same laws as cars on the road then why are not bicycles coming from the factory with the necessary lighting and fined when found to have inadequate lighting just as cars are fined if their lights fail but the driver continues to drive? I do know that bicycles new from the factory use to be required to have reflectors; but I haven't seen much of that at LBS's, but they still seem to be on bikes that places like Walmart sell.

Some laws for cars are not reasonable on bikes such as bells. Bells are required here in Indiana, but that seems insane to me which is why I never got one nor know anyone who has one. Problem with bells is that they can't be heard on loud city streets; and you would have to remove one of your hands from a brake to activate the horn, this could prevent you from slowing down rapidly enough, or counter steer to prevent an accident.

I actually bought a bunch of these to give out. Got tired of seeing folks running around in Ninja mode.

http://www.glowproducts.com/batteryo...esafetylights/

Blinking lights also help distinguish us from motor vehicles.

BTW,DC recently changed it law to say you could run a red rear light in lew of a reflector. I prefer to run a blinky and have reflective material in several places.

There was a news article I read in a newspaper about 3 or so years ago where a major city Portland? (can't remember for sure) where the police department was pulling cyclists over without lights and giving them front and rear blinkers for free.

If we could all contact our local authorites and suggest this idea it would not only save cyclists lives but also the lights would be cheaper then medical bills and EMT service might cost the community.

Awesome. That's pretty generous of you :beer: