Lights - May be stale conversation but still relevant

Riding on the LFT this evening from the Loop I initially estimated that only 30% of the bikes on the trail had lights. So, I decided to actually count. From about Irving Park for the rest of my commute home it was more like 50% - far less depressing than my initial impression.

With the time change this weekend late afternoon and evening rides are going to be in the dark. Please use your lights.

Is there a program, initiative that we can start to encourage people to get lights? I am not sure why people ride in the dark without them. This evening I can only surmise that some the first group of riders I encountered made their initial trip during daylight and were caught out when it got dark. That is conjecture however. I really do not understand why people do not use lights.

Looking for constructive suggestions to advocate/educate/elucidate for more lights

Thank you.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on December 3, 2016 at 12:53pm

from the perspective of the helmet light wearer the light is "steady on" from the other commuters perspective it is flashing as you look toward and away from them. You say you point it in only one direction and I feel you are probably being defensive but that is understandable.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on December 3, 2016 at 2:04pm

No need for defense here, Irv. I do not move my head back and forth; I keep it steady and focused on the road 10 to 20 feet ahead of me, so I can see any branches, potholes or other obstacles. If I need to see to the side, I move my eyeballs.

Can tou give me a place and time where you have witnessed me moving my head around and shining it in your face?

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on December 5, 2016 at 7:52am

all sources indicate you are a good and conscientious person, carry on bro!

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Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on December 3, 2016 at 12:50am

Point taken, Irvin. I'll tell you what: when my biggest concern about getting home is whether or not I've annoyed anyone I'll gladly follow your etiquette guidelines to the letter. In the meantime I'll keep using the light that has consistently kept me safe: so far, every close call I've had was during the day. And for what's it's worth, the live interactions I've had with other cyclists on the streets have mostly been wistful looks and comments like, "that's really smart- I wish I had one of those."

Geez, so much for the OP's "stale conversation" !

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on December 3, 2016 at 12:55pm

headlight on the bar is just as effective and less selfish

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on December 5, 2016 at 1:31pm

I understand the rationale behind Irvin's points but I do not follow #1. I flash red blinkers behind me as I ride. I do this whenever I use them. I do not have particularly bright beams and usually run 1-2 lights. If I am in the suburbs where it is often darker, I run 3. Why? Frankly, I am cheap. This saves battery life and my lights last a pretty long time. I had a rechargable rear light but it is a dud and spontaneously turns off so I do not use it very often. I was happy to let that one run constant as I did not buy new batteries.

I posted earlier in this thread about not using a helmet front light. Assuming the light is not running bright I have no real problem with it.

An interesting obervation about this thread is the original poster seemed more concerned about ninjas and things have evolved to a concern over riders being too lit up. I found this interesting but ironic. I think the former is much more prevelant and much more problematic than the latter. Still, there are times when there is too much light and that can be a bad thing.

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on December 6, 2016 at 9:48am

The list was about headlights and not about tail lights. I basically gleaned the list from the conversation that was taking place on the thread and from my discussion, readings and personal experience about what seems to make people (cyclists and drivers) upset about different types of headlight use on public roads. It is only a guide to headlight etiquette. I believe that the law requires a headlight and a reflector. I believe that means a steady on headlight mounted to the bicycle. You can add additional lights to body and or bike and have them flash if you like.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on December 5, 2016 at 2:25pm

"Looking for constructive suggestions to advocate/educate/elucidate for more lights."

As for what can be done, IMO, little or nothing until the mindset of the Ninja is faced with the reality of their own demise.

My advice to all, ride safely out there, and ride aware.

Now back to the usual thread drift. . . .