On my bike I have two 3-LED CatEye taillights mounted on the belt clips to the pannier bags, I have a third 5-LED CatEye taillight mounted just under my pannier rack. All three are easily visible to anyone who is behind me. I also have a PB Superflash mounted to the back of my helmet, and a CatEye Rapid 3 mounted to the left side of my bike as a running light. I need to pick up a second Rapid 3 to mount on the right side of my bike.

I also have 4 CatEye Uno headlights mounted to the front of my bike. Two on the handlebars and two on the fork, and a Light and Motion Stella 150L mounted to my helmet.

Then why not attach a light to the backpack (you said you use)?

A couple of reasons. I have 3 backpacks. The one I've been using the most doesn't have a good place to clip a light. My Dakine is all black with a busted sternum strap. And the one I use the least is a Banjo Brothers- I find it too big and lacks the organization that I crave (tempted to put this in the 'for trade' thread to go along with the Banjo mess bag that I'm no longer using).

Also, my Cherrybomb has a weak clip. I have had to backtrack to find it on a couple of occasions when I tried to clip it the the Townies.

I've actually removed the rear rack, thinking that I would order an adapter that would let me mount the 4D to the seat post using the binder bolt. Now, I'm getting ready to put the rack back on and see if I can tolerate the weight on it. I'm going to use my Dakine on my back in the mornings (ride the bike all of a block then), but shove it inside a waterproof stuff sack and tie that down to the rack for the rides home. My biggest fear is that the screw heads will chew up the fabric of the stuff sack.

The seat post light is going to stay there. The rack light will stay on the rack. I just need to get another one (or two) to mount on the rack. I figure by doing it this way, whether I have a load on the platform or hanging off of it, there should be at least two lights visible at all times. And mechBgon pointed out some lights that I can insert into my handlebars.

I have a different setup than most but figured I'd post what I do for rear light. I mount it to the top of my rack, but only because I don't have anything convenient to mount it otherwise. It sits in a bit from the end of the panniers but the field of vision is still very large. I will correct this at some point (maybe this weekend if I can remember).

It's brighter than all get out, the picture doesn't do it justice. The pattern on the ground is moderately sized, perhaps a 6 foot circle of bright color. I should probably go check out the latest light technology today. It's been a long time since I had to buy anything new. I've never felt a strong need for redundancy (shortish commute) but I should at least grab a $15 something.

On the front I have 2 Cateye flashers on top and 2 Cateye el530's on the bottom as main lights. On the back I have 2 Cateye 150's and a Planet Bike Turbo Flash, I usually have them all flashing on the back.

This seems to work well. I'll try it.

I, unknowingly, purchased the lamest Nitto rack available. Now I wish I had the rear tab for mounting lights, but I'm SOL. No easy way to get rid of it either, and it is just too damn expensive/attractive to sit in a closet.

Go to Peter's site and check out the rack adaptors.

FYI, I received a free chainstay mount for my NR Cherrybomb in the mail the other day. I emailed Nite Rider about purchasing one after not seeing one listed on their site, and they asked for my address and sent one right out.

funny how something so common can be such a head scratcher. but then if you are a commuter you will learn to be 1/2 Marine adapting and overcoming. I'm a fan of rear trunk racks and Planet Bike Superflash, but I also like having a rear reflector too. Just 1 bike doesn't have the reflector. I've made my own custom adapters for each situation using flexible metal strapping from the hardware store. It's easy to cut with a bench vise and hack saw. easy to bend around seat stays and rack supports. It already has holes so you just need to get the right bolt; washer & nut. It's so easy and versatile I've even made adapters for my left drop bars. It's good to have a lite on the rack but it's even better to have a 2nd on your left drop cuz the passing driver has a reminder to stay clear as they pass and are less likely to cut back as soon. it makes a difference!