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 Matt M. 18.5KM on November 4, 2016 at 3:11pm

I need lights on the LFT.  There simply aren't enough light posts to light the trail.  I went high tech though and picked up a hub dynamo and a nice headlamp.  I'm goofy about lights at night and I go as far as wearing a construction reflective vest type thing.

Permalink Reply by Jacob Wilson on November 5, 2016 at 4:59am

On a related note, how do you all feel about blinding spotlight and strobe lights on the LFT? I always try and turn my light to a less obnoxious, blinding setting when on the trail but I notice it seems there's no real etiquette in general. Some of the lights actually seem like they would be a hazard by blinding oncoming traffic besides just being generally unpleasant. Thoughts?

Permalink Reply by mike w. on November 5, 2016 at 8:09am

Too many riders equate blazingly bright lights with safety. The worst offenders seem to be users of helmet-mounted lights, especially when they turn to look behind and flash the eyes of the trailing riders.

Your lights don't need to be any brighter than what is needed to illuminate the road surface, and don't need to be aimed at eye level, just the pavement a reasonable distance ahead. No worries, if they do that much, approaching traffic can see you.

i'd argue that overly bright, badly aimed lighting is every bit as dangerous as no lights at all.

Permalink Reply by Paul Lazzaro on November 5, 2016 at 11:45am

I just use B&M lights that meet German requirements.  They let you see and be seen in traffic.  They don't flash, which I think makes sense.  As a driver, I find that flashing bicycle lights actually make it much more difficult for me to see anything but the light itself.  That doesn't improve safety.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 6, 2016 at 1:51am

I have the B&M dynamo powered lights on one of my bikes. They're awesome. Great for visibility, enough to light up the pavement surface, and I never have to worry about batteries running out of juice.

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 5, 2016 at 4:18pm

In my opinion, helmet-mounted bike lights aren't the way to go.  Every time you look at a driver or other cyclist, there's a good chance you're impairing their vision.  Strobing front lights are another pet peeve of mine.  They are annoying and create confusion, since flashing lights are generally only used in the rear of vehicles.  But, I will say that either is probably better than nothing.

Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on November 13, 2016 at 5:05am
I use a helment-mounted headlight on a lower setting because of the shop guy's advice, who said, "well, if you bail, do you want everybody to see where the bike lands, or where you do?" Also, traffic can see the light up on my head even over other cars, but not the one on my handlebars.
Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on November 21, 2016 at 5:01am

I agree with you here. I use a Light and Motion Trail 850 which has a sinusoidal variance setting so not a strobe but I would never use that at night. I use a light at all times for commuting or anytime I'm interfacing with traffic. I always aim the light at the road and never at driver's eyes. I think helmet cams are annoying and once I thought I was about to die as I assumed a big truck was behind me when a faster rider with a super bright helmet light approached close and fast.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 6, 2016 at 1:52am

The super bright lights ARE blinding - not the way to go on a trail unless there is no oncoming traffic and little or lighting. Just my $0.02...

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on November 11, 2016 at 4:55pm

My dynamo light is extremely bright.  But I also have a small blinking light on my handlebars which is always on.  If I'm in an area on the LFT that is well lit and has other pedestrians and cyclists I turn off my light until I get into a dark area where people typically have under powered lights or no lights at all.  I'd really like a more convenient switch for my dynamo light but I haven't really gotten around to it yet. One thing that is very nice about a good dynamo light is riding through places with no street lighting or cars or people and being able to see absolutely everything in front of me in vivid detail. 

Permalink Reply by Duppie on November 28, 2016 at 12:12pm
Which dynamo light do you use?
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on December 3, 2016 at 11:44am

Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ Premium Cyo with stand light.  It's as bright as one car head lamp.

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