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 mike w. on November 25, 2016 at 5:38am

Gawd almighty, THAT'S ANNOYING!!

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on November 25, 2016 at 5:52am
It's more ANNOYING to get hit or buzzed by vehicle in Chicago by distracted drivers looking at what's for sale on BLACK FRIDAY. Solid bike lights get 'washed' out with big city lights at night IMO. For trail riding, solid low beams is the way to go. Sorry for the GIF, couldn't find a better one quickly.
Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on November 24, 2016 at 5:08am

Easy guide to polite use of bike headlights:

  1. Do not use flashing lights in the dark!
    The flashing feature is ONLY for use in full daylight.
  2. Do not shine bright (or dim, really) bike lights in anyone's eyes.
    not drivers, not cyclists and not even small furry animals
  3. At night (dusk through til dawn) use a light at all times. Aim it at the ground in front of you and adjust its angle based on your speed of transit. If you can't adjust it while riding, loosen the clamp a little or get a different one.
  4. Helmet mounted lights are better for your vision but how do you keep from shining them in other people's eyes? Mount your headlight on your bars and point it at the ground and do it for the community. (If you are on a really low vehicle like a trike perhaps that is the best solution to get the light high enough but still, I would hope there is another solution.)
  5. During the day you can use a daytime running light aimed at the ground and still not in anyone's eyes. If you don't believe that it's useful in the daytime to make you more noticeable (not seeable - there is a difference) you can turn it off and roll your eyes at us idiots with it on.
  6. Lights used in public areas should only be as bright as a car's  headlight. Were not landing planes so save the MTB 1300 monsters for the back country.
Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on November 28, 2016 at 4:53am

Re. #3 -- why aim it at the ground in front? Law states the light must be visible up to 500 feet, so wouldn't aiming it at the ground reduce that visibility??

Permalink Reply by mike w. on November 28, 2016 at 10:16am

You'd want to see the pavement ahead, and with the beam shining on it 15-20' ahead, your lamp will still be plainly visible to anyone that far ahead of you. Give it a try. The important thing is not having an overly bright light shining into drivers' and other riders' eyes (think about the jokers who drive their cars in traffic with their high beams on, and how much that sucks for oncoming traffic.)

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on November 29, 2016 at 3:52pm

well said Mike

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 30, 2016 at 6:06am

+1

Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on December 2, 2016 at 4:48am

Okay, you got me. I gave it a try...and....well, at least from my perspective as a bike rider...I liked it. :)

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 30, 2016 at 6:19am

Helmet mounted lights are better for your vision but how do you keep from shining them in other people's eyes?

You move your head so they do not shine in others' eyes.

Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on December 1, 2016 at 7:20pm
Yes, it's awesome how we can point our heads and our eyes in slightly different directions to, for example, look forwards while simultaneously lowering the beam of our light. And why do I get the feeling on this thread that I'm the only one whose headlight has like six brightness levels?
Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on December 2, 2016 at 4:45am

Just to let you know that even though you have the best of intentions to not offend people with that light on your head flashing in whatever direction you deem appropriate for your personal benefit...you do. It's similar to using foul language; it may be the most direct way to get one's point across but some folks will be offended. It's not illegal; it may not even be dangerous but it is annoying to others. No one is saying that you can't do it, just be aware of your effect on others.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on December 2, 2016 at 8:39am

You must have someone else in mind. I do not have a flashing function on my helmet light and would not use it, if I did. It is always pointed down 10 to 12 feet in front of me.

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