Bicycle Extreme Visibility and Safety Modifications

[ZnsaneRyder]

What mods are being done to your bikes to help promote your safety?

There's a lot of traffic in some areas, so we have to stay safe.

I notice how people in their cars will SEE you, then still pull right out in front of you because they just don't care that you are on a bicycle. It sure scares people when I chase them on my bicycle and catch up with them before the next red light or stop sign, and LET THEM KNOW what they did, LOL.

Also, sometimes they DON'T see you.

Here's my upcoming mods:
Bright-Blue Helmet
12V 4AH NiCD Battery made from power tool batteries
Ultra-Loud CAR Horn
12V 55W Halogen headlight, and another 55W for emergency rear light as well.
Three 3.6V LED flashlights (headlights)
3.6V Lithium-Ion backup battery
Switchbox on handlebars for switches for lights and horn, and built-in charger for the 3.6V Li-Ion.
12V and 3.6V red LED taillights
More LEDs for additional running lights, and may use colored LEDS for ground effects.


So now cars will see AND hear me, and if they cut me off, they will get horn-blasted with a light show!

 

[arceeguy]

Part of the problem is that drivers are not expecting a bicycle to be traveling at 20mph (or more) - so while we all complain about those "cagers", it isn't always because they aren't paying attention. They see you, they just don't realize you are moving as fast as you are - especially with your 6.5HP 200cc pusher trailer. I generally keep it around 20, and I am very careful at any intersection.

OTOH, whether I drive a SUV or motorcycle, it seems that anything I drive turns invisible.

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

OTOH, whether I drive a SUV or motorcycle, it seems that anything I drive turns invisible.

Seems that way sometimes, LOL

 

[bluegoatwoods]

It sounds like you'll have a really good set-up.

You might want to experiment a bit with those ground effects; I have found in the past that too many lights in unusual places has seemed to confuse some drivers. I think maybe they're just not certain what they are seeing. Can you guess the result? They swerve at you. (I suppose I shouldn't word that like a joke. It's a terribly serious matter.)

On my motor bike I run two 55 watters up front. Works very, very well. Everyone takes me seriously. One automotive rear light plus one of those flashing LEDs for pedal bikes.

On my pedal bike I run double LED lights front and rear. White up front, red in the back. Two of each because it's nice to have more light and I'll have at least one if batteries die when riding.

 

[Pablo]

OTOH, whether I drive a SUV or motorcycle, it seems that anything I drive turns invisible.

Try driving a Volvo!! Not only invisible, double secret cloaked invisible!!:helmet:

 

[sjackson]

I have had my eye on some EL wire for increased visibility without too much glare... check this stuff out. It's not terribly expensive, and it's flexible. I was thinking of putting this on my frame to increase my side visibility. It wouldn't fit in with the planned vintage look of the bike, but it might keep me from getting killed.

 

[Happy Valley]

Part of the problem is that drivers are not expecting a bicycle to be traveling at 20mph (or more) - so while we all complain about those "cagers", it isn't always because they aren't paying attention.

Not necessarily so. Where I live, there is a HUGE contingent of road bikers. There are several race clubs and a lot of independants who train regularly through three seasons and it would be the rare day not to see 50 to 100 roadies go past my house.....all doing 20+ mph.

Are they at risk? Sure, as much as anyone bike vs. car.
They seem to hold their own though and are adamant about their right to occupy a lane on the road, and by the force of numbers.

Of course the colorful jerseys don't hurt.

 

[KilroyCD]

OTOH, whether I drive a SUV or motorcycle, it seems that anything I drive turns invisible.

I hear you. I drive a compact station wagon in the land of full-sized pickup trucks. I'm completely invisible.

When I ride any of my bikes, I wear a bright flourescent chartreuse shirt so I can (hopefully) be seen better.

 

[bikebum1975]

I regularly ride my pedal bike in the 10 t 15 mph hour range I rarely have any problems with cars coming to close to me in part I think the fact that I don't look like a cycler helps me plus if they come just a little to close for my taste I just wobble my bike a bit and they usually move over a bit more. Most drivers treat me decently and the roads here on on the narrow side too. But I think no matter how many lights you have on your ride if you get an idiot who doesn't like us bikers it really doesn't matter. For the most part I never have any problems I don't even wear a helmet I feel I wouldn't be as alert with one but that is my thought on it

 

[rkbonds]

I just finished mounting a 55 watt driving light and 2 flashing red lights to my bike I also use an led head lamp and flashing rear lamp. That's right 3 flashing red tail lights hopefully they will see me and the 2 on the front help me see a lot better I might add a 55 watt flood light to the front as well. All of this is powered by 2 12 volt 12amp hr scooter batteries and all of it was free