See the Lights
The other day I was biking home after work when out of nowhere…
It gets dark early these days. That means lights are something to plan on having. But even some folks that technically have lights don’t make it easy to see them.
So make sure to remember your lights, but also make sure they are visible.
I have 7 different lights on the front of my bike and 5 on the back. Don’t dare say you didn’t see me coming!
My front and rear are permanently mounted. I also have additional lights I put on or take off as the need arises. I’ve been toying with the idea of using a small “click” on/off light on a finger of both hands and using them as turn signals. Get ready to make a turn- click on-signal-turn-click off.
I ride with a 60 lux Busch and Muller in front (plus dynamo powered rear and red blinker in back) and turn on the 600 lumen blinder when I can’t tell what’s going on. It’s usually an unlit cyclist who yells at me for blinding them. I would not have turned on the blinder if they had lights or even reflectors, which my dynamo light would have revealed. Lets get with the program folks – lights are required by law and a good idea. That why Bikeyface is making a joke at your expense. BTW I turn off the blinder once I recognize what is careening towards me through the dark night.
I am another of those that runs a permenantly mounted lighting system by choice. Just the way I have *always* rolled. German spec Busch+Muller dynamo setup, with supplemental NiteRider CherryBomb for street traffic. I know Euro-spec dynamo lighting fell into ridicule in this country long ago, but *every* criticism of old has been resolved. LED emitter lighting surpassed the best 3 watt/6 volt halogen bulb years ago, and the B+M IQ Cyo headlight I run is so strong I *don’t* need additional lighting in front, in most cases. But it’s also supremely important to *not blind* the oncoming rider on the trail. My front light, per the German StVZO traffic safety standards, is designed to put light on the road *without* blinding oncoming traffic. Those of you who have dealt with a killer light square in your face, in flash mode, will understand.
I counted 9 lights on my bike for last nights commute. Don’t forget the important side view visibility, I like wheel lights there.