debate invite: light/reflector safety

bluegoatwoods

bluegoatwoods

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I have a lot of experience with two wheels. And bad weather doesn't stop me.
Especially during low visibility times I use lights, reflectors, flashers, etc. I think I've noticed, for a long time now, that if the various lights, etc are spread out too much over the surface of myself and my bike this has a tendency to "hypnotize" some cagers and even make them swerve at me.

So my question is "is there such a thing as too much?"


On a related subject (it's almost funny, but definitely irritating), have you ever noticed that many cagers go into a horrible panic when they encounter you in conditions that they don't expect to find bicyclists in? A good example would be a near-freezing November downpour.

And, now that I think about it, there's nothing at all funny about it. "Irritating" is putting it mildly. "Enraging" is closer to the truth.
 
I'm not certain what you're wanting to debate. Yes, I agree some drivers are so stupid that they defy explanation. I was riding my pedal bike on Wednesday, and I pulled out with plenty of room, and proceeded to get honked at repeatedly by some guy for being in the middle of the lane, preparing to turn left. The light was red, so there was no need to be in a hurry. He passed me on the on ramp, so I flipped him the bird - couldn't help myself. I still don't understand why he got upset. Had I been a car, he wouldn't have been able to do anything, but because I was a bike in HIS way, I think he must have felt justified. I swear I want to start carrying a hammer.

I guess I went off on a tangent, but the short story is you ALWAYS have to be careful and assume the cars are out to get you, unfortunately.

--John
 
To be a bit more clear about it, I've developed the feeling ( a long time ago, really ) that if I have too many lights, reflectors and such on my bike and on me that this only manages to confuse the drivers. They're not sure just what they are looking at. They're not sure how far away we are and so on.

To put it another way; some of my worst close-calls have happened when I've been lit up like a Las Vegas casino. I can't help the feeling that too many lights confuses the drivers. (Of course they should not be ramming into something that they don't understand. But wishing that they would take their responsibility behind the wheel seriously is like wishing for the Moon.)

so I'm wondering if there is such a thing as too many lights. And is there an optimum number and arrangement?

And though I called it a "debate", it's not that I expect to get the issue settled once-and-for-all. I'm just looking for opinions.
 
I think it's this - when there's a lot of lights, and it's hard to make out what the object is, the driver tend to stare at the object, rather than the road. And, the steering wheel tend to follow the eyes.

When I lived in New Hampshire, every fall the "leaf peepers" came out in droves. They drive slowly, "Oohing" and "Ahhing." And when they look to the left, they steer to the left, and when they look to the right they steer to the right... It's like they're driving a slalom on a straight road! It was REALLY annoying, if you got stuck behind them.
 
Yeah.. i think car drivers get tunnel vision and focus on the lights.. and end up drifting in that direction.

One.. red.. rear facing light.. and a very bright headlight should do the job nicely.. i'm equipping my bike with exactly that as i type this..
 
Yea neon lighting you'll probably get killed.
I don't ride at night.
Cagers are scary enough during the day.

You know when a cager see's a car accident,what happens?

Yes. Traffic jam.

That's the answer. Blood makeup all over you.

Look like an accident victim and everyone will slow down around you!
 
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I havent had any experience as a "motoredbiker" yet (still gathering the bits to build one) but back in my Motorcycle days I found that if you are not as big as they (cagers) are you pose no "threat" to them and they ignore you. I tried reflectors of differing sizes and styles.. along with the headlamp and taillamp that was on my bike) nothing seemed to make a difference. My practice was.. treat every other motorist on the road as if they had the brains of a peanut. You are the only one on the road who knows whats going on. Always ride defensively and always assume the other guy is going to do something stupid. Worked for me
 
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What to do with those old Christmas lights?
Get a battery...I would do my entire bike.
It would RULE!
 

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