hazben1

On a group ride the other morning several riders had their taillights mounted to the back of their helmets. They thought having the lights higher aided in visibility. So I moved my light to my helmet. The following week I noticed taillights which were mounted just below the saddle seemed to stick out better because the red light contrasted against the black bibs the rider was wearing. Which do you'll think is the safest? If it makes a difference I mostly ride rural roads with lots of taller trucks and SUVs.

BigJeff

The one I've noticed most (as a driver) was a cyclist with 3 lights, seat post, jersey pocket and helmet.

No way to miss him.

Athens80

Both. First, because redundancy is valuable. It's good for cars and it's good for bicycles. It doubles the light and ensures that one is working even if one fails. And second, because both positions are useful, in different scenarios that arise throughout most any single ride. It's good for the cyclist to have a light off the bike because they're not together or at least not pointing the same direction at all times.

CliffordK

I like multiple lights.

Also, consider some lights such as under one's saddle bag may be partly obscured by equipment.

Others might not have the optimal direction.

Keep in mind that any light is better than none at all.

Reflective clothing is also a major benefit. I have a fairly bright headlight, and have been amazed at how bright the reflective clothing on some bike path runners and cyclists is. Some have a lot of it.

Champlaincycler

Way back in the early 70's, I had a blinking light that I wrapped around my left ankle. I liked it a lot and it seemed to do the trick riding home from my late night bartending job. Something about the rotation that made it very visible. I've not been able to find one since. Now, on early morning rides, I attach a blinker to a neon ankle wrap in a way that cars coming either way can see, and add another to my saddle bag along with a small handlebar mounted head light. Mostly rural roads, but cars see me from far away, wonder what it is and slow way down. Rotating blinking lights are very effective.

10 Wheels

Higher is Better.

Dunbar

If the taillight in question is highly directional the helmet isn't the best place to mount it. At least during the day.

r8dr_rider

I put mine on the seat post. Its a 2 watt light so its pretty bright. I also have reflective stickers on the back of my helmet. They are white and so is my helmet so it matches perfectly

yankeefan

The best taillight placement is leaving it on your commuter/beater bike. Why you you want to add more weight to your weekend road bike for the sake of something as trivial as visibility? Just get a high vis yellow/orange soft shell and be done with it.

znomit

A helmet light is a good idea because it lets the car behind the car behind you see you (may not apply to US riders where 99% of cars are tall SUVs). Also good in rolling terrain.

deacon mark

I clip mine to the back collar of my jersey or jacket whatever I am wearing. Then clip one on top the rear middle pocket of jersey

CliffordK

I found a leg strap with a built in LED light.
Pretty slick.
Lasted about a month.
Then the light disintegrated.
And a few weeks later the strap disintegrated too.

velociraptor

Can't tell if serious.

12strings

Mine is on the back of the toddler seat...

DXchulo

If I only had one I'd put it on the seatpost (or the rear rack on my commuter). The head moves around a lot, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage. Motion can make the light more noticeable, but if you have your head in the wrong position at the wrong moment you're at a disadvantage. The seatpost is fairly high and is a nice & stable spot. I've never liked the jersey pocket. I feel like it can fall off easily there.

If you plan on being in the dark for long, definitely go with multiple lights.

hazben1

Thanks for the feedback folks. Since once or twice a week my ride will be before daylight I decided it is best to have 2 lights. In my bike stuff I found a Planet Bike Super Flash which seems pretty bright. I also ordered one of the 2Watt taillights from Amazon. Will leave one on the helmet and probably one on the middle jersey pocket.

Sy Reene

So each time you turn your head or look down your visibility drops?