EDITORIAL
Riding Near Night? Please Take A Blinky Light.
Tail Lights
I can't tell you about the driver of the big RAM hurtling down the barely lit road at an easy 20km/h over the speed limit. Nor can I explain what was going through the mind of the rider who chose to wear all-black-everything. But, f*** me if it didn't seem like the shiny full-sized S-Works downtube logo, reflecting back the truck's headlights, was the saving flash that allowed the rider to live another day.
What's incredible is not that near miss but rather if you retell that story to anyone who ever finishes, or in my case starts, their ride near dusk they'll shrug and pull up a similar tale from their own experiences. The craziest stories are the mountain biker on mountain biker near misses as a truck-load of riders retiring from a day in the trails nearly knocks off a rider they didn't expect to be exiting the trailhead twenty minutes after sunset.
Trek's Bontrager Flare RT is a perfect, but premium, light-and-bright tail option to keep in your pocket or pack. It comes with a quick-to-install rubber strap but I prefer a hard-mounted fender L- bracket that keeps my light off my seat post shaft and acts as a visual cue so I'm certain to bring it.
Imagine making your own flow down the jankiest trail you can ride, only to find yourself out of the trees and targeted by the latest pedestrian awareness software in a multi-tonne four-wheeled cruise missile. Ah! Evasive Maneuvers! Thankfully there are countermeasures available wherever bicycle accessories are sold. Like so much red-blinking chaff, a decent rear flasher like a NiteRider Cherry Bomb is about twenty bucks and they go up in blinding-level, ignore-proofing, and price, from there. They'll clip onto your pack or the collar of your jacket, or if you can handle the fashion faux pas you could even put a mount on your bike.
Folks who pedal to their rides or ride year round are all thinking 'duh' but I'd guess more close calls are just folks riding back to their cars to go home. With the popularity of mountain biking, especially concentrated around the most popular trails when folks are trying to grab a quick ride before dark, it can often be a few blocks back to where they've parked. At dusk and after dark those few blocks likely present infinitely more risk of serious injury than the trails they've just been riding.
I know that all-black-everything is de rigueur but if you're regularly riding in the evening - especially when it's socked in, starless, and raining - consider adding some Safety Orange to your palette. Also note Kevin's dual Bontrager Ion Pro lights, still one of the best values in a night-riding setup, currently 100 USD per light.
My Mounting Bracket
I try to never leave home without an ultra-bright blinky light in my pack, and to be sure it's charged and ready to fend off incoming vehicles. Even in the summer, there have been more than a few times that I've gone for another lap, then a beer, then ridden some place for food, then maybe had another beer, and the next thing I know it's dusking and I'm pulling my blinky and emotional support jacket out of my pack for the ride home. I usually have a light that I can clip onto my pack but for those XC nights when I leave my pack at home and go for a quick burn - the beauty of stashed tools, a lightweight fixed-bar full-face, and pockets - it's good to have something that attaches to my bike. The smaller and brighter the better.
Whether you've regularly commuted by bike, you night ride on trails, or you've just been out on a bicycle later than you expected, you've probably experienced that moment when you realized you didn't have a rear light. This happened to me recently when I thought I had the rubber strap-mounted, Bontrager Flare RT rear light in my pocket only to find that wasn't the case. Life's busy and aside from having some sort of Cy-style checklist, I need visual cues to help me remember the essentials.
The Flare RT mount is threaded, just remove the rubber strap and it's ready to receive a common M4 rotor bolt.
The bike shop you deal with will most likely have a couple of single fender-L-brackets hanging around. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes but any of the ones I have would work.
I use my rear saddle clamp bolt to hold the L-bracket in place. Zero issues with creaking, loosening, or contact. I just leave it in place.
Likewise, if I'm riding during the day but staying out after dark I'll just install the Flare and leave it installed. For daytime rides, even if I plan to be out before dusk, I'll throw it in my pack or pocket.
I've started adding clips to the rear saddle clamp bolt of my bikes using fender L-brackets. It isn't pretty but it's tucked up out of the way enough to avoid my rear tire - even on my dual suspension bike at full bottom-out with the saddle down - and it doesn't affect post travel at all, like an elastic attached rubber mount, will while sitting up high when my post is at extension and I'm pedaling on the road. If I'm leaving the house and I know I'll be riding at dark I clip my light on and leave. It's rated as weatherproof for commuting so whatever my tire kicks up should be okay. But even if it's midday and I'm going for a quick burn the little L-bracket reminds me to make certain that the blinky light is in my pack or pocket as opposed to sitting on a charger.
For something so tiny the Flare RT packs a punch. I am a fan of running it solid rather than flashing but whichever you prefer is vastly better than nothing.
Many companies, including Trek/Bontrager make hard mount solutions that attach to saddles, which gets the light up high without compromising dropper performance. I prefer my solution, while perhaps less elegant, is almost universal and free. To add a mount to a second bike all I needed in addition to an L-bracket and spare rotor bolt was a Flare rack mount for 6.50 CAD.
Consider charging up a blinky light and throwing it in your pack. It could be something fancy like my Flare that weighs nothing and runs forever (4.5hrs on the brightest solid mode | 9hrs on the brightest flashing mode) and is currently on sale for 65 CAD | 50 USD at Trek.com or your local Trek dealer or it could be something the min-maxes brightness vs. bucks. Just make certain it's properly blinding on the darkest dankest evenings and, better yet, rated as daytime visible.
Everyone wins when riders can be seen at night.
Many front lights now incorporate side visibility as well. It's a superfluous feature in the woods, but on the road, it can't hurt.
Tailpiece
After I submitted this piece to the editors I was hit by a car while riding my bike home from work in the dark at 5:45 on a Saturday night. I had two properly bright rear lights, one on my bike and one on my pack. The Flare RT rear light shown in these photos pumps out 90 lumens and is "daytime visible from up to 2km away." My NiteRider Solas, hung high and to the left on my pack, is even brighter and has a flashing mode that more than one driver has rolled down their window to tell me is obnoxious. I always reply "Thank You."
I was stopped at a red light, at a well-lit intersection, only a minute or two from home, when a Subaru drove into the back of me. From our brief interaction, it was obviously not the driver's first rodeo. The car was sporting license plate covers from a local collision-repair outfit and after exchanging information, the driver just narrowly missed a pedestrian in the crosswalk while leaving the scene, only thanks to the pedestrian's fancy dance moves. I'm due for a follow-up with the police but we all know that nothing is happening to that driver until they kill someone. At that point, they may get fined a couple of grand and lose their license for a year. Maybe. Your death isn't a crime if you're killed on a bicycle.
We're talking about flashing red lights, not a car-proof laser array. Putting one on your bike is not a guarantee of safety when half the cars on the road today have bigger console screens than the laptop I'm typing this on and no level of fine exists such that the threat will get people to put their fucking phones away while operating multiple tons of rolling responsibility. And yet it's still vastly better to have a tail light rather than going full-stealth.
CushCore! Not just for roots, rocks, and traction - protect your bicycle from vehicles too!
Since I know you're wondering - and I do truly appreciate your concern - my Waltworks V2 seems to be okay. The backend is straight, the welds look good, and my body broke our fall to earth so there aren't even any scratches that I'm sure are fresh. My rear rim, the point of contact, is hopping side-to-side like it's trying to dodge something but it didn't even drop any tire pressure. This may sound silly, but with the mass that ran me down, I'm thinking that the Plus-sized CushCore insert I'm running played a role in saving my beloved bicycle. I mean, I rode it home before I went to the hospital.
A few days later I was too sore to consider riding a bicycle but still feeling beyond lucky. All my body parts are where they're supposed to be and I didn't hit my head. It's like losing to Canada's Women's Hockey Team at the IIHF World Cup by only a couple of goals. Yes, I was beaten by the 3900lb car but it was a way closer game than anyone would have expected. I think I heard the bumper crack on my way down and my CT scan came back all clear - practically a draw!
A hundred bucks worth of please-don't-hit-me flashing in their faces from kilometres away may not save you from the worst drivers around but it will help all the motorists, including your fellow mountain bikers, actively trying not to ruin anyone's evening, to notice you on your way back from the trails. Please, if you're going to be riding from the trails back to your car anywhere near dusk, do everyone a favour and take a blinky light.
Comments
TristanC
1 year, 4 months ago
Lights are super important. I am also a big fan of the incredibly dorky reflective vest. I had to pick one up for a winter race (snowmobile trail, you will not win if you fight a snowmobile on a bike) and I've been wearing it commuting since. It's anecdata, but I feel like drivers give me more space when I'm wearing it, and it makes it obvious that you are a human and not a stealth missile. It weighs practically nothing and fits over whatever gear I'm wearing.
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 4 months ago
I saw a runner last night with something similar to https://www.provizsports.com/en-gb/reflect360-mens-cycling-gilet.html.
I am thinking of getting one myself for commutes.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
My friend Nice Guy Geoff rides in what can best be described as a moon-suit (fully reflective rain wear). But it wasn’t raining so that wouldn’t have helped me personally. I also have a hard time imagining mountain biking in a reflective safety vest (look at me, so fashion conscious?).
I am considering so reflective patches on my pack and stickers for my helmets.
Reply
Vik Banerjee
1 year, 4 months ago
I'm always amazed how far ahead I can see ankle reflectors when driving at night.
Reply
Todd Hellinga
1 year, 4 months ago
my wife and I have a few of these for dog walking at night, and still am nearly run down in crosswalks semi-frequently....drivers are objectively terrible these days, have to keep your head on a swivel and always have an exit strategy, fwiw
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 4 months ago
I have cable tied a rear light to each helmet. It stays on there all year. I have other lights on the bike but this one means I never forget a rear light.
Reply
Lu Kz
1 year, 4 months ago
Trek/Bontrager hasn't run the campaign in a number of years, but their ABCs of awareness pretty much gets it all - even if its geared towards daytime, I think it ought to always apply. A quick review: always on lights, bio-motion visibility (bright shoes as you're moving all the time, really increases sideways visibility which is often an issue), and contrasting clothing (flourescend in the day, reflective at night). My personal experience with the Bontrager Flare is great, it might be one of the most obnoxious lights out there, and a kilometre of daytime visibility (in that run mode) is nothing to shake a stick at.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Flare is great.
I had a pair of Bontrager commuting shoes that were super-bright reflective but they’re clip-in and I’m only on flats now. I should sort something out for my feet.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
I’d be very into a pair of these JFW boots for flat pedal commuting use:
Reply
Lu Kz
1 year, 4 months ago
It's a shame there's really a lack in variation of flat shoes. You can have the inadequate commuter that walks great, breathes nice, but doesn't grip flat pedals particularly well, the dh/freeride early 2000's skater look, and.... something that looks a bit race-ier (...enduro...?) but in reality is homogenous with the second category. Meanwhile the variety of SPD style clipless shoes only gets better and better - maybe I can thank the explosion of gravel riding for that?
You'd think someone out there would be making an all weather/cold weather flat shoe. Almost all winter commuters and winter recreational riders I know are on flats. I certainly switch to flats once there's snow on the ground. Maybe we have to wait until the industry decides to make fat bikes a fad again?
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
No doubt. Hi-viz, high-top, weather-resistant flat pedal shoes are now my unicorn.
Reply
Timer
1 year, 4 months ago
Most people I know who commute in the winter do so in light hiking or approach boots. Especially the approach shoes work well on flats, but sadly nothing of that kind is available in hi-viz.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
I'd be fine with light hikers as long as the sole interfaced okay with flat pedals but I just can't see how there wouldn't be enough demand - with all the folks commuting on flats - for some hi-viz, high-top, riding shoes. My wife and I would both be in the market ASAP.
I'd love to review these Leatt 7.0 shoes, and in my mind they'd be a perfect candidate for a hi-viz treatment.
Reply
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
Such a shame that the majority of cold weather gear is black.
But i am 100% onboard the always on, organic motion train. Far better than those stupid flashers.
Reply
Squint
1 year, 4 months ago
Also important to check that your red rear Blinky light is visible! I see many riders (road commuting) that have a light but then put a bag or panniers on which blocks it. Better is on the back of a helmet nice and high, but a backpack or hood can block that. Even better is both.
And if either front light is primarily to BE seen (as opposed to seeing, like for trail riding) and is mounted to your bike it should blink or flash. In a sea of other lights, it positively identifies you as a cyclist. Single small solid lights get lost. I will die on this hill.
Exception is a front light on a helmet, I use one as a look-around light for dark sections, and it's very effective to scan it across an approaching windshield. Many a driver has stopped suddenly when I've done that, and it also gives you that "definitely a human" solid light motion, way up higher that car headlights.
I've commuted by bike in Vancouver for about 20 years so I'm pretty passionate about lights and visibility, but I also have taken from motorcycle training that there are no guarantees; I always have a plan B/escape route and hopefully the lights and colours and reflective bits mean I won't need it.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
I've heard passionate explanations from team blinking light and team solid light and even team half-and-half (I have a two-light minimum). Also seen links posted to studies saying one or the other - often related to the distance from which a driver is seeing you from?
As a driver, I find I notice cyclists regardless of flashing or steady as long as a light is bright enough but if I was relying on cheap blinkers then flashing would probably be better.
Either way, lights better than no lights.
Reply
Skyler
1 year, 4 months ago
I commute down Mt Seymour Parkway everyday in nearly all weather (they don't plow the bike lane, sadly) - sometimes by bike, sometimes car, sometime bus. Here's what I've concluded:
- Red blinky lights aren't that effective. When you're in a car with the wipers going, or just in light rain, every light is a blinky light. There are a lot of small red tail lights in the distance.
- White is a much more visible light colour for the back of a bike.
- Reflective clothing is more visible than lights - it stands out from the crowd of lights
- Reflective clothing is all about surface area. Your bandoleer ends up looking like pretty thin lines/not that visible. I bought a vest that is 100% white reflective from Aliexpress for $27 and I have had notably fewer close calls. People are obviously seeing me. The visible reflective surface area is like 2+ square feet, vs maybe 20 square inches (0.14 square feet) on your bandoleer thing.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
The Parkway bike lane is ridiculous with how often there are cars parked in it and the speed many cars are going. It's too bad there's not an (even slightly less convenient) east-west alternative.
I want to start riding with my daughter to school (mixed-mode transport) but we're going to drive on the Parkway to where we can ride through on quieter roads instead.
Reply
Skyler
1 year, 3 months ago
I dream about a separated bike lane on the parkway! I would even pay a monthly subscription! My partner doesn't bike commute because of it, even though she's just going down to Cap U. I can avoid the Parkway west of Lytton St. Overall Dollarton is even worse.
I guess I'm a bit braver, and my massive surface area of reflective material and 1000 blinking lumens seems to be working. I'm truly getting way fewer close calls with the vest.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
There are so many riders I've talked to who don't cycle commute, or cycle commute more, specifically because of fear that is infrastructure related.
I used to ride the Dollarton quite often, I even found that drivers largely obey the 40km/h limit through the Tsleil-Waututh Nation but I was almost pinched out twice between trucks and the concrete barriers climbing up eastbound after Ravenwoods and there is NOWHERE to go in that situation.
Now when I go that way I climb up through Ravenwoods - works the other way as well - to get to Parkgate.
Reply
papa44
1 year, 4 months ago
I would point out that obnoxiously bright lights make you harder to see and also blind fellow cyclists. A driver that is not paying attention will not swayed by a brighter light, but it can be the difference between someone else going over a curb or hitting a pot hole. Ask me how I know.
Reply
AndrewR
1 year, 4 months ago
140 lumens is not obnoxiously bright. And if a bike tail light provides a distraction to a driver then that driver is too tired to focus on task and shouldn't be on the road anyway.
And for every driver that feels like bitching about my well aimed 1000 lumen head light they should get out of their car and look at where the non load adjusted point of focus of their truck headlights is pointing (and stop driving around on high beam just because they have poor eyesight) and then go home and fix them.
Reply
papa44
1 year, 4 months ago
I’m actually concerned about myself as a fellow cyclist taking a slam because your light has blinded me
Reply
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
140 lumens ARE enough to blind someone else up close (i.e. other cyclists). Just take your light and hold it two meters away from your face at night. You'll be surprised.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
It’s an interesting perspective I’ve never considered, but my rear lights pale in comparison to my bar light and those in turn have nothing on some of the car headlights out there now. I guess the follow up question is how bright is too bright?
Reply
Geof Harries
1 year, 4 months ago
I know I feel like I’m blinding drivers on occasion, as it’s clear they are slowing down and swerving (!) to get out of my range. The swerving part isn’t ideal, naturally.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
The Trek front light I’m currently reviewing has a commuter mode that cuts off the beam so it’s bright but doesn’t flash folks in the eyes. It’s nifty. More soon.
Reply
papa44
1 year, 4 months ago
That’s the nub of the problem, how bright is acceptable and Does it need to be aimed? I know cars have all this set out in laws and regulations and I think bike lights need some guidance in this department. The amount of people that come charging down well lit bike lanes in London with strobes blasting at you is ridiculous and has caused me to pratfall more than once. Lights are good obviously but after a certain level it’s probably counter productive.
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 4 months ago
I run my front 1600 lm on high in London in busy areas (Putney high street, Wandsworth + Ham'smith one ways etc) - rear its about 300 lm. Where it well lit I'll turn it down.
Reply
papa44
1 year, 4 months ago
Mate that is way to bright for other road users you should consider toning it down, you’re not safer and you’re making other people’s commutes a bit shitter
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 3 months ago
It's usually on low at 500lm. It's on my helmet and pointed down generally tho so isn't at driver eye level unless specifically needed.
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
Even a dim light aimed up is a major nuisance at best, extremely dangerous at worst. Especially for someone wearing glasses, a 300lm Headlamp can turn into something that overpowers anything else normally on the road.
A 1000+lm light that isn't aimed properly is as bad as, or worse than high beam car headlights (Xenon Headlights range from 1-2000lm). That is to say, a cyclist with such a light will cometely drown out anything else... I am (seriously) considering a high-beam light on my handlebar to "return the favor" to other cyclists. (I commute 5 miles one way in all conditions. I hate unaimed bike lights with a passion).
Reply
Timer
1 year, 4 months ago
I don't think brightness itself is a problem at all. The issue is just where it's aimed.
Even relatively low power dynamo lights can easily blind cyclists and drivers. But a 4000lm light aimed at the pavement in front of the wheel won't blind anyone.
Reply
papa44
1 year, 3 months ago
It’s probably more like a balance between brightness and aim, which is down to the individual to judge, which is a notoriously unreliable approach to the problem
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 3 months ago
I'm thinking a reflective vest (as my above comment) is the way forward. It's passive but has a massive area. And i think you're most vulnerable from the side.
JT
1 year, 4 months ago
Rode home with a couple coworkers after a night of slinging suds and one of em commented on the exact same thing, my taillight was way bright and combined with the flash made perceiving potholes/cracks in the pavement hard for the riders behind me. And this was on a decently lit city street. Apologized and looped back to take up the rear for the roll back to our hood. If riding solo I put it on the razzle dazzle setting, but if I'm with others I'll switch it to the low lumen and low or no pulse.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Makes sense to me. I generally commute alone and on uncommon routes but on road sections of night rides the brightest rear lights (or only rear lights) go at the back.
Reply
Vik Banerjee
1 year, 4 months ago
I set my lights on slow blink or solid depending on the situation. It's pretty rare I run them on strobe. I agree it can be very hard on the eyes if they are powerful LEDs and while I want a driver to see me I also want them to be able to see where they are driving.
For the same reason I prefer to use focused front lights on solid that have a vertical cut off so the max light is down on the road and not in oncoming driver/cyclist/walker eyes. That's all that's legal in Germany so it's a good place to get one.
Reply
andrewc
1 year, 4 months ago
I wish more people thought this way! I'm a year round bike commuter on a lot of busy bike routes in Vancouver and without a doubt the most disorienting thing I encounter on my evening commutes are the high-powered strobe lights that are aimed at eye level. Not only are the lights blinding, but when strobe mode is engaged, you don't get a chance to adjust to the difference in light/exposure. Your eyes are always one step behind the blinking light.
I'm fine with bright lights (aimed correctly) to allow the cyclist to see the road and strobes to catch attention (assuming they are low-powered and not blindingly bright).
I will also say, the thing that instantly stands out to me on the road is the current crop of fully reflective jackets, apparel, etc. The BEST thing you can do to be seen is wear something with full reflective coverage. Lots of joggers wear them but fewer cyclists. Also a lot less likely I will mistake you for an ambulance coming up behind me (has happened a few times with some of the more animated blinky light setups I've come across.)
Reply
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
Amen. People that feel the need to aim a 1000lm light at my face are the worst. There is little you can do except stop and wait for them to pass. I've had a number of close calls due to "nightride-bros" hiding other cyclists or walkers behind their little sun.
Just FYI: this is from me as a cyclist. In a car, it's even worse, because you add windshield glare into the mix.
Brighter does NOT mean safer. And flashing lights are idiotic, because they make it harder to judge where YOU are going. A noce, static lights gets the point of you cycling there across much, much more effectively.
Reply
Offrhodes42
1 year, 4 months ago
90% of my ride start at 4:50AM and lights are extremely important in my bicycle setups. I also swear by a Lumos helmet. The higher mounted lights are key in my opinion. So, Lumos helmet, flashing taillight, and bar mounted light for gravel riding. For mountain bike rides a helmet mounted light is added. Obnoxious colored clothing is a standard for me no matter when I ride. Like Andrew there are people who have slowed down and complained about how bright my lights are, but I can only laugh at them. I wonder what they would say if I put the lights on high rather than low?
Reply
Flatted-again
1 year, 4 months ago
That’s a huge relief that you’re okay after getting hit by that cager. I live on a road with a 45mph average speed and an 18mph speed limit, and I keep wondering whether I keep the lights on just so it’s easier to litigate.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Thanks. Sort of a bizarre karma clap-back after writing a piece about using a blinking light right?
I just see a lot of folks on five figure bikes without lights so figured see-something-say-something.
-
In my own case - in restrospect - well lit up intersection, blinky lights, etc I think what would have saved me was running the red light (it was clear both ways). In the future I’ll pop over to the right side of the road - at least not getting hit by a driver turning right is a bit of my choice.
It was a wake up call how extra-vulnerable I am from behind.
Reply
Flatted-again
1 year, 4 months ago
Yeah, I’m extremely aware of what’s going on behind me because I often use a trailer to take my kid to daycare. About half a mile is on a sharrow lane before getting on a bike path but even then it’s hard some days to want to load up and ride. I’ve been trying to sort out whether it’s possible to put one of those light up whips that the off road bros use on the trailer.
Reply
slyfink
1 year, 4 months ago
All the lights in the world won't save you if the driver is looking at their phone. After a few too many close encounters of the metallic hood kind, and a couple of road ragers getting out of their vehicles to start a fight, I'm done with commuting by bike on city streets. I can get to my current place of work entirely on segregated paths, and rode there year round (until two years ago) but apparently we have given up the lease on this location and will be moving out this summer. I don't know where my new office will be yet, but I hope I can get there via dedicated bike infrastructure...
riding in the forest is much safer.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Teaching my kid to mountain bike has been a joy. Teaching her the basics of road riding - even with 90% of our trip on bike paths sometimes has been a truly frightening duty.
Reply
TristanC
1 year, 4 months ago
I say the same thing. At least when I run into a tree, it's my fault. Although there have been a couple close calls with deer, they must have been texting and grazing.
My assumption commuting is that drivers can't see me, and the ones that can see me are actively trying to kill me. Hasn't let me down yet.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
I would have said that my assumption is the same, but clearly I let my guard down.
Reply
ElBrendo
1 year, 4 months ago
I put some rear bike lights on my kids bikes as well for the occasional crosswalk on the way to the bike path.
We've done entirely day riding this past year, but as an added bonus, it's awesome on the trails when I bring up the rear. With three young kids, they spread out quick and it's a real nice feeling to see a red light off in the distance when I wouldn't have seen him otherwise through the brush and under the tree canopy,even in the middle of the day.
Its great on more advanced or faster trails so that riders flying down can see them earlier and not run them over.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
I talk about this often for trail riding as my kid and I ride after school a couple days a week - which means lights for much of the year. With our 1:1 ratio (we ride with friends doing the same) keeping track of each other isn't a big deal but the odd time I've been managing a 2:1 ratio I'd like GPS tracking, but having a blinky light on them would still be an improvement over playing Marco Polo at night in the woods.
3:1 is an undertaking!
Reply
Martin
1 year, 4 months ago
I have commuted to university in Montreal many winters back in the mid 2000s, using lights and reflectors. Now walking 12km return to go to work and back, I thought that this winter would be a good time to try winter bike commuting again.
Seeing how drivers are dangerous now, and hearing stories like yours, I just sold the studded tires I had bought and will continue commuting by foot even if it takes longer. I've been walking the same way for the last 3-4 years, and not a single day passes without seeing at least 2-3 drivers pass on red lights (while the pedestrian light is on!) each way.
I'm not looking forward to when my kid will be able to go riding by himself in the city. Cars might have gotten intelligenter, but it seems that the humans driving them regressed proportionally so I try to keep away as much as I can.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Sadly, I know a fair few folks who will not ride their bikes on the road (even using quiet routes or dedicated cycling infrastructure). You’ll interface with cars at some point on your trip.
I even know folks who drive a 5-10 minute ride to pedal their bikes on dedicated paths or dikes.
Reply
Martin
1 year, 4 months ago
I understand those people.
... and the cyclepaths here are now full of e-scooters, cyborg uniwheel things and many of those things reach 50kph. I even saw an electric 4 wheeled "mobility scooter" almost as big as a Smart, and he was pulling a small trailer with car tires in it, on the cycle path (!). I see a few of those cars on the path weekly, but that's another subject entirely haha!
Reply
T0m
1 year, 4 months ago
I’m very glad you and the Walt are okayish after getting hit by a driver.
I hope your driver gets punished but we all know how unlikely that is. Never been hit by a car while riding but was run off the road and of course had things thrown at me.
Words matter greatly and the driver is the 100% responsible party obviously- so saying we got hit by a car/truck/Subaru just removes the person responsible from communication. Cyclists and pedestrians get hit by drivers, always. Just a thought!
There are lots of passive reflecto bits on all my bikes as well as two rear lights carried for night. The tiny white reflective tape wrap for spokes is a favorite for both spokes and rims as it’s low-key, bright, and it moves. Also I’m clearly a nerd among nerds but on my commuter use one of those big yellow and Orange reflective triangles as seen in the 70s. These drivers don’t give a fuck about me or you so I say max out on active and passive visibility and fuck any enduro bro’s fashion show rules about reflectors.
Also the German TUV does have regulations on bicycle lighting so e.g. Topline rear lights and Bosch n Muller follow some different ideas on optics like a cutoff front beam and a flat wide line of light for the rear.
Reply
BadNudes
1 year, 3 months ago
You're right, language is important and we should all be mindful. e.g. I hate when a driver kills or hurts someone and media report it as an 'accident'. This gives an 'unfortunately, these things happen' tone. It should be called a crash, which makes it harder for the driver to shirk responsibility (but they will still try) and indicates that it was preventable with safe driving practices, like almost all driver-cyclist/pedestrian crashes.
That said, I think we cut Andrew some slack here because 'hit by a Subaru' sounds a little more interesting, and maybe because 'hit by a driver' might conjure an image of a punch delivered through the window of a car; a bit ridiculous, but sadly not too hard to imagine these days. I think he does a good job of conveying the driver is obviously at fault. Unfortunately it sounds the driver can essentially shrug it off per usual because there are no real repercussions for unsafe driving.
With average car sizes (SUVs, trucks) getting humongous, drivers becoming more complacent and reliant on safety sensors/equipment, politicians more focused on fueling car-dependent suburban sprawl (more drivers) than densifying and improving person-based infrastructure in our city cores, it really feels like we're headed to an indoor-only world, especially in our cities. And people wonder why kids don't play outside anymore... We're doomed.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
I've noticed on the radio they're referring to them as "crashes" instead of "accidents" and I think that's an important language change.
I both didn't mean to give an "unfortunately, these things happen tone" and at the same time, I am feeling a bit defeatist. There's certainly - notably among other cyclists - a pressure I'm feeling of what more I could have done to protect myself when I was already feeling like I already go above and beyond with lights and route choice.
There's also the realization that if I was properly hurt the various cogs - RCMP, ICBC, etc - would all be moving the same way.
Reply
BadNudes
1 year, 3 months ago
I'm with you 100% on feeling a bit defeatist on this. Especially in North America, infrastructure and government favours cars and nearly ignores everyone else. We are completely alone out there.
To be clear, I didn't get the "these things happen" attitude from your writing, it just seems to be the prevailing attitude of the public. Your insights were refreshing and entertaining as always.
The "what more could've been done" feeling/question is familiar and unfortunate. It amounts to victim blaming. What could have been done? The driver could have done the bare minimum and driven safely.
So glad you came out of this one relatively OK. Here's to hoping that somehow we can stop this downward spiral...
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
The police followed up and she says she wasn't on her phone - just distracted looking for a parking spot. It was a good reinforcement for me actually that I'm not paranoid in thinking how alone we really are in terms of keeping ourselves alive out there.
I'm working on upgrading our reflective game at home. Have a tape I'm going to try on racks and fenders and also going to figure out some clothing upgrades. I'm with cars SO little on my regular commute that I was certainly operating with a false sense of statistical protection.
Thanks! I'm beyond lucky. Having some back issues still but for the most part, I'm feeling a lot better. The season has gotten in the way of me finishing my wheel build for Walt but it'll be running again by the new year.
Reply
KavuRider
1 year, 4 months ago
Scary stuff, glad you are okay!
I used to commute everywhere, all the time. I've been hit 3 times, the last time resulting in an ambulance ride to trauma and permanent hardware.
I don't think there really is a good answer. I definitely have a rear blinky light on my bike at all times now, just in case, but if the driver is staring at their phone...
It also amazes me how many drivers simply HATE cyclists and think they deserve to be hit for riding on THEIR road. Or simply do not understand how to handle a cyclist/pedestrian on the road.
I used to commute with running gear, because it had all of the reflective bits. I also put some high-vis reflective tape all over my bike, especially the wheels. Combined with my 2 rear blinky lights, I was very visible and attention-grabbing without being blinding.
Considering I have people almost run into my full size SUV because they don't see me, I don't think bicycles really have a chance. Stay safe out there everyone!
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
Years ago - half a lifetime ago - I used to have a huge cycling commute much of which was on a long rural road with an ample shoulder. I routinely had assholes roll down their window and shout derogatory things at me, or swerve toward me (presumably to frighten me not actually to cause me to crash), and a few times I had things throw at me.
I couldn't guess at how many times I heard the phrase "GET A CAR" with whatever insult added on the end.
I feel now, living in North Vancouver not the 'burbs mind you, that it's less HATE (and I definitely felt HATE then) and more active indifference. I used to be worthy of (negative) attention and now I matter less than the giant rendering of Google maps on their dash or the very involved work conversation loudly happening (hands free, of course).
------
I drive an SUV, and I drive more than I'd like, and I 100% support a GVW multiplier for all traffic infractions. Okay, running a stop sign on a bicycle and running a stop sign in a car are both 'bad' but one is potentially 3, 4, 5+ tons worse.
I never want to put myself in a position of injuring or killing another human, especially tiny less-predictable child humans, and I drive accordingly. I feel like almost every time I'm on a bike or crossing the road as a pedestrian I see examples of how many people don't prescribe to that.
Reply
Tadpoledancer
1 year, 4 months ago
I kinda like the way the Ibis Oso has integrated high quality lights. Might as well when you’re riding around with a huge battery between your legs. Too bad the bike is incredibly expensive for the kit.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
Agreed, if you're riding around with a massive battery anyway why not have lights integrated - and Ibis did a really nice job.
Reply
Skooks
1 year, 3 months ago
Definitely. Integrated lighting was mandatory on my home built e-commuter. It's nice to only have to charge one battery. I have recently started running a blinky and headlight on my helmet though.
Reply
Goon
1 year, 4 months ago
I'm about to start commuting again by bike and I found that there's not a lot of reflecting clothing tor biking or for walking. I did find one company out of Europe that had proper jackets but not a lot else. I do have all the equipment but humans are stupid and up here it seems like every other truck has a sled deck on it and think the road is just for them
Reply
AndrewR
1 year, 4 months ago
GoFluo makes good stuff.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
Thanks! Never heard of them, but the stuff looks interesting, especially as they make kids gear. Link to GoFluo for interested folks.
Reply
Flatted-again
1 year, 4 months ago
Just started going down the rabbit hole for reflective gear, and this study (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847822002017) argues that reflectors that mimic biological motion (like ankle reflectors) have a stronger response from drivers than torso mounted stuff. I haven't dug into the stats yet, but there you go
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
If you ride clipped in, I thought these Bontrager JFW boots were excellent. I’d be into a flat-pedal version thinking about motion visibility. They were properly bright.
Reply
Velocipedestrian
1 year, 4 months ago
My uncle drilled some holes in his nice pedals to mount the dorky reflectors all cheap pedals come with.
No batteries, always on the bike, shows human motion... Should we all trade in some style points for safety?
Reply
fartymarty
1 year, 3 months ago
It's the law in UK that bikes need pedal reflectors. Theyre just hard to mount to clip pedals.
Reply
TristanC
1 year, 4 months ago
I picked a reflective harness over a vest or a jacket specifically because it's very versatile - you can wear it over whatever clothes you already have, and in all seasons. T-shirt in the summer, puffy or rain jacket in the winter.
Reply
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
A really effectic piece is one of those pant leg savers (the ones that snap into a circle once kinked) around each ankle. Retroreflective in bright yellow.
They are low enough to be hit by the low beams of most cars, and their motion is very, very obvious. Additionally, a static wide angle red light on your helmet is also very helpful.
Reply
Geof Harries
1 year, 4 months ago
According to this article and others, blinking rear lights are more effective than solid lights. There is something like a 270% increase in driver recognition of a cyclist with a flashing rear light compared to without.
Reply
Andy Eunson
1 year, 4 months ago
Totally agree with this. I used to commute from downtown to Point Grey. Along the bike paths mostly but at times I needed to go to somewhere on Broadway on the way home. What you should notice is the number of light sources. Store lights and signs, traffic lights, car lights street lights all competing with your bike lights. A rider needs to draw attention to themselves. Blinking lights do that. Wearing reflective clothing in addition to lights is also a good idea. Bright coloured clothing does nothing at night. Somewhere there is a video of a bunch of runners approaching a light source. Only the ones in reflective clothing are noticeable at any distance.
Reply
kain0m
1 year, 4 months ago
Strongly disagree. Noticing is one thing. Realizing you're not a stationary construction site, but a bike rider, is far more important. A flashing light doesn't telegraph that fact effectively, because it hides the little movements that are a tell-tale of "this is a human being".
Reply
Konda
1 year, 4 months ago
+10 for the blinky light identifying you as someone on a bicycle.
To my absolute horror, I once mistook a cyclist on an 2 lane unlit national speed limit road for a moped, and by the time I'd checked my blind spot to manoeuvre to overtake, I was on top of them and ended up passing way closer than I would ever do deliberately.
If they had a flashing light rather than a single solid light, I would have identified them as a cyclist and been aware of their speed.
When all you have is a single solid point of light, with no other reference points, it's next to impossible to judge the distance or speed accurately.
Reply
Skooks
1 year, 4 months ago
Human senses are highly edge-triggered. That's why safety markings are often striped. A flashing light is far more noticeable than a solid one. Whether that makes it less likely to get hit by a driver is an entirely seperate issue.
Reply
VB
1 year, 4 months ago
I've been searching for the perfect taillight for a while. Preferably something that is easily to mount/remove and connects to the seat rails with a mount that is inconspicuous when not in use.
Lupine makes a super slick looking magnetic system but it is very expensive ($150us) and may not hold up to mountain biking. Other negatives include a proprietary magnetic charger and StVZO brake lighting which is not needed.
https://www.lupinenorthamerica.com/product/c14-mag-taillight/
Specialized and Bontrager make saddles that have accessory mounts but I don't run those saddles. It doesn't look like Bontrager makes a Blendr mount for traditional seat rails. I like the L bracket idea but the saddle clamp bolts on my One Up post are recessed and I'm not sure if that would start creaking.
The search continues...
Looking at the pictures, I believe your taillight is not orientated properly. The side windows are facing up/down and not to the side.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 4 months ago
It’s true, but my other light has significant side visibility so not a huge concern for me. I never ride with just one rear light - I don’t trust electronics enough to not have some redundancy if one dies.
I’ve seen a lot of folks just run a zip-tie between their rails and slide a light onto that. Seems to work well.
Reply
BadNudes
1 year, 3 months ago
I like my Koma lights from Blue Lug a lot. I have a few sets and leave them on the bikes all the time. Not super bright, but bright enough IMO, and very inconspicuous/nearly invisible on the saddle rail mount (when off). I also use a reflective triangle dangler on my seat, which is actually surprisingly effective in low light. If I'm going out on a proper night ride I'll use a more powerful set of lights, but it's nice to always have a backup on the bike in that case, or to avoid being stranded in the dark when an afternoon ride gets extended a little longer than expected.
Reply
Phlegyas
1 year, 4 months ago
I have a Nitecore NU05 light permanently attached on my waist bag, when not in use the battery will last the whole season, weighs nothing and it's always there for those dusk get to the car rides
For the rides i know i will eventually get caught up in the dark i put a set of Bontrager Flare lights, as you say, they have proven to be the best option for lightweight illumination.
I can also highly recommend a Sugoi Zap Jacket, it's got those reflective dots that light the entire jacket up when a light is shine on it. Mine has been going strong for 5 years now. https://www.sugoi.com/en_us/zap-bike-jacket-u719000m
Reply
Larrabee
1 year, 4 months ago
My additions: two separated rear lights (not flashing) — that way it’s possible for the unconscious perceptual process to kick in: ”The separation of those lights is decreasing, therefore I’m approaching”.
How safe would it be to drive a motor vehicle in stop-and-go rainy traffic with only one rear light? That is: one taillight right out, license plate out, high-mount brake light out.
Yes to reflective ankle bands. There’s nothing else on the streets with that characteristically human up-down cyclical motion with the sine wave action Vs time.
Yes to vests with huge reflective areas.
Watching cyclists in downtown Victoria at rush hour in December, it’s very tough to separate a cyclist out of the background visual noise. Even with good f&r lamps — which most have. Bring on reflective tire sidewalls, dorky spoke reflectors or lights, vests (luminous if possible, not just retro reflective) ankle bands — illuminated even better.
If you study air crash investigations, the Swiss cheese model of causes is a typical conclusion. All the holes in multiple slices of cheese must line up for a crash.
Cycling at night: think of the more slices of cheese, the lesser the chance all the holes will line up.
Insanely bright head and tail lights seem counterproductive. Yes, to draw attention one must be slightly annoying — not blend in.
Riding in a car with non-cyclists: they often comment in such a way as to indicate that a dazzling blinkie at night is only a few steps down the welcome scale as having that cyclist key the car as we pass by.
Building goodwill has to help. Not alienating our fellow road users.
Some kind of a truly functional rear view mirror (such as Third Eye?) — this has to add to situational awareness.
Yes, it’s truly a curse that big TV screens are allowed in cars. Elon Musk: no thx.
Reply
AlanB
1 year, 4 months ago
It's not just at night!
Heading up Cypress Bowl Road in the fog, cars often can't see cyclists until the last second. Even on sunny days, shadows across the road can make bikes hard to see. I never pedal up the road without a flashing tail light.
Reply
Hi_Im_Will
1 year, 4 months ago
From the perspective of a driver who really likes to spot bikes/pedestrians early and leave lots of room:
Reflectors are background noise. They're not any brighter than the rest of the stuff on the road, including lane markers, and are hard to recognize as a bike at a comfortable distance. I'll see the bike, but be very unsettled by how little time there is between recognizing it and having to react. Not useless, but close.
Tail lights are better, but they're still somewhere between a reflector and a single tiny car tail light. Can still blend into the background. Most of the ones on the road are probably garbage.
Light-up running vests like the one below are big, bright, and obvious from far away. First time I saw a jogger wearing one I went home and bought one for myself, and I wear it anytime I'm outside near a road in the dark. It's clearly visible as "large thing - give space" and the dumb lizard half of my brain immediately recognizes it at such. Plenty of time to switch lanes or slow down. No chance of the driver being surprised- by the time they pass they've been slow rolling for a quarter mile trying to get a better look at the bling.
All of the above is even better.
Nothing is going to stop every idiot on their cell phone from being an idiot, but those of us trying to spot the bikes early and leave lots of room appreciate big/bold/obvious.
https://www.noxgear.com/tracer2
Also, glad to hear you're doing fine. Hopefully the police follow through, or the driver was at least shook up enough to learn a lesson.
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
Thank you,
I'm feeling quite deflated by the driver (at the scene), police, and ICBC, but I did have another genuinely good experience at the hospital (two/two in one year, not my preference).
The police asked and she said she wasn't on her phone - she was looking for a parking spot. My fault for not calling at the scene I guess, but in my defence, I was in shock.
Perhaps worst of all is the general sinking feeling I get that if I was properly injured (or dead) the system wouldn't really treat it any differently than it has this go around (with me being incredibly lucky).
Reply
BadNudes
1 year, 3 months ago
I wish I could find a lightweight helmet light that installed/removed quickly and had an integrated rear red light. doesn't need to be super powerful, 500 lumen would be more than enough. Would be a perfect compliment to my always-on-the-bike little blinkers. My current options (700-800 lumen Niterider and Blackburn) are heavier than I find comfortable on a helmet, are almost always on the low or medium settings, and I need to bring two; front and rear.
Head-mounted lights are really nice when you're wondering "does that cager coming up to the intersecting stop sign see me?" you can flash the windshield for a little more confidence (be mindful of doing this with your 1500 lumen torches) and, as has been noted, a bit of movement signals to the driver, "that is definitely a person and I should probably try to avoid killing them".
That said, always remember there are more drivers on the road, average car sizes are getting more humongous, and people are paying less attention than ever before. Sharing space with drivers is getting more dangerous. Do your best to stay aware of drivers around and behind you and assume they don't see you, or worse are trying to scare/maim/kill you.
Glad you came out OK Andrew, and thanks for sharing your perspective.
PS. BUT WERE YOU WEARING A HELMET?!
Reply
Andrew Major
1 year, 3 months ago
The Trek Commuter light I'm reviewing has a beam cutoff mode (so it's bright but doesn't blind drivers/riders) and will talk to a Flare rear light (one button on/off) but I've never thought about integrating the two. I guess when I'm on the road I usually run my bar light on / helmet off to avoid blinding folks with the rare exception of when someone in a car cuts me off, usually turning right right in front of me, and I'm the petty kind of asshole that turns on my helmet light and lets them know I'm there.
Thanks! Yes, I was wearing a helmet but - BUT - it was black so I don't think that counts?!
Reply
BadNudes
1 year, 3 months ago
NEWS HEADLINE: "DRIVER OF 5 TON LIFTED PICKUP WITH BUMPER AT SHOULDER HEIGHT RUNS STOP SIGN, HITS AND KILLS CYCLIST"
Everyone: "But was he wearing a helmet?" "Did he have lights?" "Is there any other way we can blame the victim?"
Me: "f*ck this world..."
https://thenib.com/height-of-folly/
Cool that the Trek lights can link together like that, would only have expected that from much more pricey systems. Will have to check those out.
Reply
Squint
1 year, 3 months ago
I have had one of these (in red) on the back of my helmet for years now
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Labymos-Super-Bright-USB-Rechargeable-Bike-Taillight-Cycling-Bicycle-Tail-Rear-Safety-Warning-Light-Lamp/2AE1QTYJR5ES
The original one was a different brand, it just died so I bought a few more, they're obviously made somewhere overseas and branded to spec. Not the perfect taillight, but the elastic loop happens to work well with my helmet and it's nicely bright. Compliments the under-seat light, and always good to have a backup.
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.