How to be seen and safe from all directions

[Thunderjohn]

When you ride at night it is very important to be seen from all directions..

Nearly 70% of all nighttime Bicycle-Car collisions are due to inadequate side visibility (see http://www.johnforester.com/Articles/Lights/cpscreq.htm);That’s a frightening statistic 70%, yet front and rear regulatory bicycle lights are designed to and required to only point / illuminate in a forward and backward direction…

A fellow cycler friend of mine introduced me to the Fibre Flare Range (www.fibreflare.com).
Fibre Flare gives you 360 degree visibility.

I was very impressed with the enhanced visibility their products. The Ultra compact design allows for endless mounting options with no compromise on safety. Mount on seatposts, Helmets chainstays, headtubes, bags or clothing.

Here is some more info about their Helmet LED light http://fibreflare.com/blogs/news/113168325-bike-helmet-led-light

They have a youtube channel with a few videos where you can learn all about it...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHpBl50Dr90zCVk5H9IjWjw

I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback if any of you have heard or used them before as I'm seriously thinking of buying one...

 

[divinemaredi]

When you ride at night it is very important to be seen from all directions..

Nearly 70% of all nighttime Bicycle-Car collisions are due to inadequate side visibility (see http://www.johnforester.com/Articles/Lights/cpscreq.htm);That’s a frightening statistic 70%, yet front and rear regulatory bicycle lights are designed to and required to only point / illuminate in a forward and backward direction…

A fellow cycler friend of mine introduced me to the Fibre Flare Range (www.fibreflare.com).
Fibre Flare gives you 360 degree visibility.

I was very impressed with the enhanced visibility their products. The Ultra compact design allows for endless mounting options with no compromise on safety. Mount on seatposts, Helmets chainstays, headtubes, bags or clothing.

Here is some more info about their Helmet LED light http://fibreflare.com/blogs/news/113168325-bike-helmet-led-light

They have a youtube channel with a few videos where you can learn all about it...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHpBl50Dr90zCVk5H9IjWjw

I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback if any of you have heard or used them before as I'm seriously thinking of buying one...

Wow, the picture looks beautiful, I reallly want to purchase that!

 

[Thunderjohn]

Wow, the picture looks beautiful, I reallly want to purchase that!

it is pretty cool hey!

 

[cycle93]

It looks really cool and also useful!

Have anyone tried those led strings that you can put around the bike's wheels? I have seen them in so many bicycles in my town and it would be cool to purchase one. Not just safe but also really goof looking

It is a special thing or you can use any led string?

 

[Weatherby]

3m reflective tape on the frame, crank, helmet, heels of shoes, and rims works wonders, too. I apply it over blue painters tape so that it comes off the bike easily. Reflective ankle bands and vest help, too.

I'm going to check out that helmet led, thanks

 

[Froze]

I use reflective stuff but I don't rely on them because they are passive and a car's light beam has to hit it just right to be somewhat effective.

As far as that Fiber Flair thing goes I think it's a good idea, it has high reviews by cyclists who have used that stuff. You can also attach Fiber Flairs on the rear stays and on the forks and be lit up really well, but keep in mind those lights will not light up the road as well as a good headlight, but still would be quite effective for others to see you.

 

[tes82]

Wow this is fantastic! I think this is such a great idea and definitely something I would be interested in purchasing for night time cycling. Such a great find!

 

[BikeBikeBikeBike]

LED's and reflective stickers are my go-to way to be seen.
That helmet is pretty neat idea, but I don't like the design.

 

[Thunderjohn]

Hey again,

Just had a look on their website and they have a really nice product combining an actual LED torch in addition to their ultra bright fibreoptic flare.

They call it Cyclops and it comes in White for the front and Red for the back
Here's an image of the white one

First they got my curiosity now the have my attention!
Check them out http://fibreflare.com/blogs/news/113168325-bike-helmet-led-light

Have a nice ride,

Until next time

Thunderjohn

 

[solostarr]

You can fit LEDs in your cycle and can use radiators to be noticed from everywhere and get attention.

 

[Corzhens]

I had once seen a rider in the main road with a string of led lights wrapped on his back. During a traffic stop, all the drivers of the vehicles near my car were focused on the rider because he was like a Christmas tree with Christmas light. And speaking of being seen from all directions, I guess that string of led lights is a perfect accessory for that purpose.

 

[bykster]

I had once seen a rider in the main road with a string of led lights wrapped on his back. During a traffic stop, all the drivers of the vehicles near my car were focused on the rider because he was like a Christmas tree with Christmas light. And speaking of being seen from all directions, I guess that string of led lights is a perfect accessory for that purpose.

I used to ride nightly as well and I would often do this, although probably not at the Christmas tree level. Had a light on the back of my bike, a light on my backpack, two on each hands (for turning), and one on the front. I always thought that was enough.

 

[Froze]

I will say this, I've seen riders riding with a single bright tail light and as a motorist or cyclist I could see them quite well, but one night I saw a guy on a busy street with about 12 rear tail lights, and none of the 12 were anywhere near as bright as my main light nor others I've seen BUT, I noticed the guy with the 12 dimmer lights a lot quicker then just a single bright light. I usually use 3 tail lights myself but not 12.

 

[Corzhens]

I used to ride nightly as well and I would often do this, although probably not at the Christmas tree level. Had a light on the back of my bike, a light on my backpack, two on each hands (for turning), and one on the front. I always thought that was enough.

I also drive a car that's why I can relate how a rider would appear to my view especially at night. Christmas tree aside, I think a good light on your backpack would be enough to show yourself to vehicle drivers even when there are no lamp post lights. Even the blinking red light at the back of the saddle is very visible although the rider is not that clear to my view.

 

[Djordje87]

I was asking myself the same question but the first post here is not good for me since I never wear a helmet. I was thinking about some of those things that shine and sort of light up when they get a beam of light on them. I forgot the name but we call them here cat eyes, literally. I will also buy some LED solution but only for the back and front sides. For the flanks I will go with these I believe.

http://www.njuskalo.hr/image-w920x690/bicikl-dijelovi-ostalo/macje-oci-slika-20724953.jpg

 

[Froze]

Hey again,

Just had a look on their website and they have a really nice product combining an actual LED torch in addition to their ultra bright fibreoptic flare.

They call it Cyclops and it comes in White for the front and Red for the back
Here's an image of the white one

First they got my curiosity now the have my attention!
Check them out http://fibreflare.com/blogs/news/113168325-bike-helmet-led-light

Have a nice ride,

Until next time

Thunderjohn

I went to the website but couldn't find the Cyclops model, maybe not for the USA market?.

 

[Froze]

I was asking myself the same question but the first post here is not good for me since I never wear a helmet. I was thinking about some of those things that shine and sort of light up when they get a beam of light on them. I forgot the name but we call them here cat eyes, literally. I will also buy some LED solution but only for the back and front sides. For the flanks I will go with these I believe.

http://www.njuskalo.hr/image-w920x690/bicikl-dijelovi-ostalo/macje-oci-slika-20724953.jpg

Are those reflectors? If so, I would never rely on passive lighting, though great addition to current lighting just don't substitute active lighting in favor of passive lighting to try to save a buck.

 

[sharkantropo]

Indeed achieving the most visibility possible is desired, although that ideal escenario is something I rarely see. Myself only use back lights but I'm aware that's not enough and almost never ride at night.

70% is quite high. But I'm relieved that with proper enhanced visibility ger is possible to drastically reduce the risk. LED lights also look cool in cycling gear. I'll definitely consider this.

 

[ZXD22]

Clothing and reflective apparel is key to being seen from many directions at once. You need to be in a bright color in order to stand out from the vast colors of the environment. If you wear yellow or a bright red should help a lot.

 

[FenWoFon]

It is the first time that I see bikes with LED lights and bars, it is pretty awesome and useful indeed.