Directing drivers with light on the ground
 

I have started attaching a taillight to my handlebar pointed down and to the left to make a red dot on the road about 3 or 4 feet to my left, hoping that drivers would try to not drive over the dot.

After four nighttime commutes like this, not one car has driven over the dot. I am not sure if drivers actually stay farther away because of the light, or if I just thought they were closer than they were because I did not have a frame of reference. Four days is probably not long enough for a statistically valid sample, but I will keep tracking.

Has anybody else tried this, and what have your results been?

A red light on the front of the bike sounds questionable. Why not try that with a white light?

Red light on the front isn't legal in most states.

The light is mounted to the end of the drop bars. The light does not shine forward, only sideways. I figure a red dot on the ground would be noticed more than a white dot, as white would blend in with the headlights from my bicycle and all the other vehicles.

I think it is interesting.

i like this. keep us updated.

I can see how it might work, so does carrying a sharp pointed object sticking out from the side of the bike. But I think the light might work better.

Aaron :)

Users of the Low Down Glo

http://rockthebike.com/lights/downlowglow

Have reported similar responses from cars. I think it might have something to do with the different lighting making the drivers pay attention. "WTF is that?" sort of response. Most times car drivers just don't actually register bikers as people, in their mind they are just an object to be moved around, and so they don't give us enough room.

+1 on the Down Low Glow.
I have used one for almost a year now, (I just fried my battery) I felt that drivers gave me more room when passing, while I was using it.
I have replaced it with a couple of Bike Brightz lights, I am going to get another Bike Brightz so that I will have a similar amount of light as the DLG provided.

I had heard that the Bike Brights are on sale, would one each side under the Free Radical give a decent glow under the rear of the bike?

Another BF poster made his own Down Low Glow style light, his very thorough Instructables site is here. If you're of the DIY mindset, it could a fun project.

dude that's really a cool idea if it works; and a very interesting sociological experiment even if it doesn't. :thumb:

yes I have, it works. I also use my headlight on my helmet for this. I want to try a lazer also.

Don't take your laser to town, son. Leave your laser at home, IknowURider.

(apologies to Johnny Cash)