Comments on: The end of Summer – Time to be Seen

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:42:51 +0000

I agree Peter. Can’t believe how many people I see every day riding their bike in darkness with no lights….. Why do people seem to think a pink vest or a plastic hat is more important than being seen???? A rear light is the most important piece of safety equipment on a bike in darkness, followed closely by a front light.

By: PETER

PETER — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:58:39 +0000

already so many cyclists travelling home with no lights!! front or back, just the factory standard reflectors. then you have the previously mentioned led strobe bombs that dazzle everything in their path. those that own them, try to be considerate. their are bike lights which don’t flash – buy those and limit the ones that would be seen from space.

By: Lennyboy

Lennyboy — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:19:51 +0000

The latest bike lights for 2013 have now been tested by Greater Wgtn Regional Council – see http://www.gw.govt.nz/be-safe-be-seen/

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:06:08 +0000

Actually another point is that you should always have two rear lights. If one goes you’ll never notice because it’s behind you.

By: NigelTwo

NigelTwo — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:21:23 +0000

I agree too. Car (and other drivers like me) look down to the road surface in front of them. Helmet mounted lights are way too high .And that goes for rear ones as well.
IMO flashing lights in general are fine for being noticed at a distance, but close up, I find it difficult to judge the direction and distance of the flasher. Put two or more together and it is the “fire engine effect” – complete confusion.
I also observe many bicycle rear lights obscured by bags, coats, etc. A situation that the rider is unaware of.

By: ****ing Andrew

****ing Andrew — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:08:30 +0000

It is amazing how far LED technology has come and it’s only a matter of time before the legislation catches up with the technology and they’re banned, hopefully before a serious accident.
I think a fixed light powerful enough to illuminate the road in front where surface hazards might lie is far more effective for seeing and being seen than pointing into space or wherever you look.
An illuminated patch of road in front of me has much the same effect as the lane laser and combined with spoke and pedal or shoe reflectors are all the dynamic lighting I need to feel my presence, direction and speed is immediately recognizable to other road users.
A headlamp that doesn’t illuminate the road in front can appear static and one that blinds other road users only compromises safety and fuels animosity.
That said I’d love some Monkey Lights (for occasional use only)

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:36:43 +0000

I agree. The problem with helmet mounted lights is that if like most cyclists you look at drivers and make eye contact, you are almost certainly blinding the driver.

I too have a very bright LED, on my handlebars, and I make sure the angle is somewhat dipped.

By: Yo Eddy

Yo Eddy — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:55:55 +0000

IMO the really bright helmet mounted lights are a major issue. ie white light shining in a direction other than forwards, and mounted too high.
I use a bright led light, but have it handle bar mounted.