head lights and tail lights

Hi there. I ride at night - a lot. I use some old Cats eye halogen head lights and a nice red led strip for the rear. I also wear a bright orange construction vest. DO I look like a geek- yes, can the cars see me? I hope so.

Do you guys/gals have any suggestion for better night riding? Thanks in advance for your links and suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Leah on August 4, 2008 at 8:18am
I don't have any major breakthroughs regarding night riding, except that at night I put my lights on flashing settings because I think they get drivers' attention better that way. And since I'm one of those bikers who rides the wrong way down one-way streets, I actually feel better about it at night because I know I'm directly in cars' headlights and they don't have any choice but to see me. :) Overall I'm also a big "directing traffic" person, and I'll often point at cars to let them know I see them (aka, "I'm watching you") and to clearly communicate what I want them to do (i.e. stop, go ahead, etc.).

The Bicycle Safety site (www.bicyclesafe.com) has some good ideas as well. Thanks for bringing this up - I'll add it to the Biking Resources section!
Permalink Reply by Leah on August 4, 2008 at 8:21am
And another thing - how do you hold on to your headlights and tail lights? I try to remember to take them with me when I lock up, but I've had two sets stolen off my bike... :(
Permalink Reply by alex on August 4, 2008 at 10:08am
avoid drunken express streets. e.g. western, ashland, others.

get out into traffic. same protection concept as being doored. sure, you may get heckled and/or honked at, but you are more visible. most people are not going to outright run you down. most accidents while due to car operator error, are that, accidents.

if given a choice of just one light, take the front big honking flashee one. most cars will see you from behind. it's those oncoming left turning ones at 4am that you most have to worry about.

and for the best side protection get some of these.

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/03/light_up_animated_pacman_b...
Permalink Reply by vxla on August 5, 2008 at 7:35am
The Planet Bike super blinkie is nice and powerful.
Permalink Reply by Leah on August 5, 2008 at 10:30am
alex said:
and for the best side protection get some of these.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/03/light_up_animated_pacman_b...

Ok, dumb question maybe, but let's say I wanted to do just one LED on each wheel, so that at night it makes a circle as the wheel turns, where would I get just one (or two, really) LEDs? Is that a hardware store thing?

I'm thinking something like LED throwies, but for your bike wheel, and that you could turn on or off.
Permalink Reply by Garz on August 5, 2008 at 1:20pm
they sell lights that fit on the air stems -- I dont know how bright they are... like 7 bucks at traget

Leah said:
alex said:
and for the best side protection get some of these.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/03/light_up_animated_pacman_b...

Ok, dumb question maybe, but let's say I wanted to do just one LED on each wheel, so that at night it makes a circle as the wheel turns, where would I get just one (or two, really) LEDs? Is that a hardware store thing?

I'm thinking something like LED throwies, but for your bike wheel, and that you could turn on or off.
Permalink Reply by natalee on August 6, 2008 at 4:51am
i would totally get the Down Low Glow if it weren't so expensive.
http://www.rockthebike.com
Permalink Reply by Garz on August 6, 2008 at 5:55am
http://www.vibelights.com/pococabili.html --- I saw these online last week, but they are not rechargeable and I do not believe they are in plastic tubes to protect from shock and stones. I know you can buy protective tubes at ACE or home depot. I'll probally order some next week or two.
I emailed the to ask questions last week , but so far no reply.....
Permalink Reply by natalee on August 6, 2008 at 7:17am
Good ideas. With some rechargeable AA batteries, that's a really inexpensive alternative. I'll be ordering some come next paycheck.

Garz said:
http://www.vibelights.com/pococabili.html --- I saw these online last week, but they are not rechargeable and I do not believe they are in plastic tubes to protect from shock and stones. I know you can buy protective tubes at ACE or home depot. I'll probally order some next week or two.
I emailed the to ask questions last week , but so far no reply.....
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 30, 2008 at 10:22am
In case if a collision at night you've got to have at least a front light, or your case is kapoot. I think you just have to run a reflector in back to be covered by law.

I was thinking about using a pipe-clamp to attach a light to my top-tube to make it more theft resistant. Right now i use a nylon ribbon cinch type thing to keep my light front light on. I attach it to the bottom of my drops. then put it in my bike bag while its parked. I've haven't had any thieving problems yet. A friend of mine super-glued the quick releases shut on her lights.
Permalink Reply by Tommie on September 30, 2008 at 10:27am
Lights on your helmet really get the attention of motorists. Wherever you're looking your light is pointing--if you don't think they see you, just look at them.
Permalink Reply by Rebekah on September 30, 2008 at 10:29am
I take mine off before I turn them off so I don't forget about them.

Leah said:
And another thing - how do you hold on to your headlights and tail lights? I try to remember to take them with me when I lock up, but I've had two sets stolen off my bike... :(

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