Seriously though; motorcyclists claim more visability during daylight hours because of DRL. Do any of you commuters' run lights all day? Was thinking of doing this...

A couple of years ago I read an article on the net written by a cyclist making his case that lights (especially flashing lights) make a cyclist more prone to being struck by a vehicle due to the moth effect. He went on to say that this effect is more likely to happen on a highway so he recommended that when riding at night on a high-speed road you should turn off all lighting. He cited some very weak data.

I think he is nuts.

There have been several times when I have been motoring at night and an unlit cyclist has startled the hell out of me because I didn't see him until the last second.

Ahh yes, the ninja salmon.

Blinking front and rear 24/7. When driving, the bikes I notice first have blinking lights. Think about a driver on a bright sunny day wearing dark sunglasses. Now picture a bike going in and out of deep shade cast from leafy trees. Or the bike going under an overpass. Start there.

I agree 100%. Actually, as far as cars go, can't wait for all the old ones without DRL's to meet their demise.

DRLs are allowed, but not required, on new automobiles in the US.

-mr. bill

Lol.

I've read some information to the effect that flashing lights are good to get the motorist's attention, but not as effective in judging distance, speed and the like.

That makes sense to me, but who knows? I think this stuff would make a great science fair project.

I have friends who ride with both ... constant and flashing lights.

Thanks, wasn't aware of that since I see most new autos seem to have them in some form or another for the past few years anyway.

Easy on those riders who ride at might without lights. There's a reason they are called "dim".

Ben