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-   -   glow in the dark tape yes or no? (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/827728-glow-dark-tape-yes-no.html)

windhchaser 06-24-12 09:21 PM

glow in the dark tape yes or no?
 
I thought about putting some on my back pack. But then i started to wonder if some drunk would think its the lines off the road and confuse them. Do you think its a good idea im kinda terfied to ride because ii worry about being hit

10 Wheels 06-24-12 09:29 PM

Get one of these. It will protect you.

http://store.dinottelighting.com/din...-mount-p5.aspx

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...eenShot080.jpg

windhchaser 06-24-12 09:30 PM

i got a rear led light thats pretty brite should it be ok?

Mithrandir 06-24-12 10:15 PM

I recommend at least 2 rear lights. If one goes out, you still have a backup. Plus there's evidence that you're most visible if you have 1 blinking and 1 steady light. The blinking light grabs attention, but it's difficult for drivers to gauge your distance properly. Steady lights fulfill that function.

I actually use 3 myself.

One of these: http://www.amazon.com/Portland-Desig...ef=pd_sim_sg_1
And two of these: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Bl...H1W/ref=sr_1_1


The Radbot goes in blinky mode, and the superflash's go in steady mode. Radbot even has a built-in reflector in case of the worst-case scenario when all 3 run out. But so far that's never actually happened.

syciprider 06-24-12 10:16 PM

Glow In The Dark tape, by definition, will only be visible when it's DARK. It will not glow when hit by the lights of an oncoming car unlike REFLECTIVE tape.

degnaw 06-24-12 10:18 PM


Originally Posted by Mithrandir (Post 14400465)
Radbot even has a built-in reflector in case of the worst-case scenario when all 3 run out. But so far that's never actually happened.

Never? (sarcasm)

In fact I only use a single taillight (A Cygolite Hotshot), and I've never had it nor my older Superflash go out on me.

Canada Panda 06-24-12 10:20 PM

I use red reflective tape down the rear of my bike (in fact, it's law here). Don't use white or yellow on the rear as that is reserved for the front of vehicles and will confuse traffic. I have white reflective tape covering my front forks (also an obscure law here).

prathmann 06-24-12 11:11 PM


Originally Posted by degnaw (Post 14400479)
Never? (sarcasm)

In fact I only use a single taillight (A Cygolite Hotshot), and I've never had it nor my older Superflash go out on me.

I would also recommend a second tail light. I have had the old SuperFlash quit on me without warning and I doubt that the Hotshot is totally immune from sudden failure. There are lots of very inexpensive but quite functional tail lights that provide a valuable backup if your primary light fails. And with a tail light it might be awhile before you notice that it has stopped working.

windhchaser 06-24-12 11:23 PM

How about a light that straps to my head faceing backwards with blinking red .And the light thats already on the rear of my bike which is red steady or blinking

K'Tesh 06-24-12 11:51 PM

1 Attachment(s)
You need to check out this thread...

Making your bike glow down the road...

being visible at night prevents a sober someone from giving you the SMIDSY line of bull. Can't speak for those that aren't sober.


Originally Posted by windhchaser (Post 14400594)
How about a light that straps to my head faceing backwards with blinking red .And the light thats already on the rear of my bike which is red steady or blinking

PB already makes that...

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/planetbike/media/3010.jpg

cehowardGS 06-25-12 10:02 AM

Along with my double bright lights up front, superflash turbo in the rear, I also, carry a bright forward light on my helmet, with a rear light too. The helmet duo acts as my back up too.

http://www.cehoward.net/helmetj56.jpg

10 Wheels 06-25-12 10:09 AM

Three head lights and three tail lights for my night riding.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...tLights003.jpg


18 tail lights:
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...s/18lights.jpg

fietsbob 06-25-12 10:20 AM

I Favor the Neon Lime jacket or Sweatshirt, made for roadside service workers,
Not biking clothes specifically.. ANSI reflective 2" bands, on sleeves and body of coat..
I wear either of them all the time , the parka is waterproof, sweat shirt is, of course, not.
Carhartt made both.

scoatw 06-25-12 05:50 PM

you can never have too much reflective tape or clothing when it comes to riding at night.

Myosmith 06-25-12 06:19 PM

Is there such a thing as reflective automotive paint? I'd consider having an entire frame and fork painted in a respectable but reflective paint, especially my winter commuter which is ridden a lot in the early AM and PM during the short days.

dramiscram 06-26-12 11:53 AM

The sad thing is no matter how visible you are, you just need one stupid drunk driver or someone on a cell phone to hit you anyway. I ride in the dark everynight so I have a rear blinkie, lot of reflective tape on my rear trunk and everywhere else on the bike and two headligh but I'm still a bit scared every time I hear a car coming up behind me. The good thing is that we are as likely to die in our cars than on our bikes so why stop riding!?!

no motor? 06-26-12 02:32 PM


Originally Posted by scoatw (Post 14404441)
you can never have too much reflective tape or clothing when it comes to riding at night.

This, same goes for lights too.

cehowardGS 06-26-12 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by no motor? (Post 14408341)
This, same goes for lights too.

+1 :thumb:

I haven't seen nothing that grabs more attention or gets more respect to the bike rider then good lights all around. Not no mickey mouse lights, I mean lights that grab attention. Attention is what you need riding the bicycle. I for one do not want to be one of the fallen and the culpurt says "oh I didn't see him".. No way!! ;)

fietsbob 06-26-12 03:55 PM


Is there such a thing as reflective automotive paint?
No, but there is a powdercoat http://halocoatings.com/

windhchaser 06-26-12 04:03 PM

Are any of the read led lights bright enough to be seen in the sunlight?

psy 06-26-12 05:49 PM

does anyone know where i could order black reflective tape online?i did a couple searches ,but im not seeing it.

dramiscram 06-26-12 05:50 PM


Originally Posted by psy (Post 14409240)
does anyone know where i could order black reflective tape online?i did a couple searches ,but im not seeing it.

If you ever find any I want to know!

terrapin44 06-26-12 06:11 PM


Originally Posted by psy (Post 14409240)
does anyone know where i could order black reflective tape online?i did a couple searches ,but im not seeing it.

Search for "3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape." I can't recommend an online retailer to purchase it from but a number of places have it in different sizes. I've been thinking of getting some for my front forks and maybe some red reflective tape for the rear.

CACycling 06-26-12 06:18 PM


Originally Posted by windhchaser (Post 14408809)
Are any of the read led lights bright enough to be seen in the sunlight?

I've switched most of my rear lights to Planet Bike SuperFlash Turbos. They are about double the brightness of the regular PBSFs and I've been told they are eyecatching in broad daylight from a considerable distance.

MNBikeguy 06-26-12 08:19 PM

Agree with all of you re lights.
Though my bags have strips I don't consider it a largely valuable safety tool.
Your own lights don't rely on someone elses light. Whacko drivers taking corners at speed ? BE the light grasshopper....


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