H
Harry (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Guest
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:30:24 -0800 (PST), [email protected] wrote:
>On Dec 31, 1:01 pm, "[email protected]"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>> On Dec 31, 10:51 am, Bob Cooper <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> > In his book, Effective Cycling, John Forester argues that a three-inch
>> > SAE amber reflector in back and a three-watt, generator-driven
>> > tungsten lamp in front is all that are needed.
>>
>> The law requires a powered light, not just a reflector. So no matter
>> how eloquently Mr. Forester argues, its still illegal to have just an
>> amber reflector.
>
>Actually, the law varies state by state. Most states do not require a
>powered taillight, last I checked. Mine does, but it's in the small
>minority.
>
>Nonetheless, I greatly prefer riding with a rear taillight.
>
>> The 3 watt generator light in front is quite
>> adequate and works very well. Provided you are using a quality 3 watt
>> light such as the Schmidt E6.
>
>Even less expensive ones can work very well. I've never had a
>Schmidt. I mostly use ancient Soubitez bottom bracket generators, of
>which I have several. But I've also done fine with Union generators
>and others. IME, the lamp optics are more expensive than the
>generator manufacturer.
>
>> But if you stop, then the
>> vast majority of generator lights go dark. So you need a battery
>> powered light that stays on when you stop.
>
>I never found that to be a problem. The only places I imagined it
>would be a concern were these:
>
>1) If I were the first vehicle stopped at a traffic light or stop
>sign, and a car coming from my right were to turn left, cutting the
>corner and hitting me. This is actually a good application for a side-
>facing reflector on a front wheel.
>
>2) If I were in the center, dedicated turn lane on a multi-lane road,
>waiting to turn left, and an oncoming car also merged into the same
>lane, also wanting to turn left. This is a good application for a
>front facing reflector.
>
>Still, I dealt with those lane situations frequently for years, with
>no problems. I now have a white LED blinky on the front, which was
>given to me as a gift. I think it's fine. In addition, my headlights
>have reflector rings surrounding the lamp's lens. There's also a
>collection of various reflective bits on the bike.
>
>I've been a regular night rider and commuter since 1977. No problems
>yet.
>
>- Frank Krygowski
I ride at night a LOT. I have flashing lights front and rear. As
stated by a Lincoln city ordinance. Bicycles must be equipped with a
light front and rear that MUST be visible from 500 feet.
UNFORTUNATELY there are a number of folks out there that don't heed
this. Far too many of them ride with no lights or reflectors. Man,
sure hope they like those chuckholes!!!!!
And the police here don't seem to enforce it like it should be.
Perhaps if they took it upon themselves to write a ticket every ONCE
in a while maybe more folks would pay attention to the fact that you
CAN'T SEE AS WELL AT NIGHT.......DUH............
>On Dec 31, 1:01 pm, "[email protected]"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>> On Dec 31, 10:51 am, Bob Cooper <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> > In his book, Effective Cycling, John Forester argues that a three-inch
>> > SAE amber reflector in back and a three-watt, generator-driven
>> > tungsten lamp in front is all that are needed.
>>
>> The law requires a powered light, not just a reflector. So no matter
>> how eloquently Mr. Forester argues, its still illegal to have just an
>> amber reflector.
>
>Actually, the law varies state by state. Most states do not require a
>powered taillight, last I checked. Mine does, but it's in the small
>minority.
>
>Nonetheless, I greatly prefer riding with a rear taillight.
>
>> The 3 watt generator light in front is quite
>> adequate and works very well. Provided you are using a quality 3 watt
>> light such as the Schmidt E6.
>
>Even less expensive ones can work very well. I've never had a
>Schmidt. I mostly use ancient Soubitez bottom bracket generators, of
>which I have several. But I've also done fine with Union generators
>and others. IME, the lamp optics are more expensive than the
>generator manufacturer.
>
>> But if you stop, then the
>> vast majority of generator lights go dark. So you need a battery
>> powered light that stays on when you stop.
>
>I never found that to be a problem. The only places I imagined it
>would be a concern were these:
>
>1) If I were the first vehicle stopped at a traffic light or stop
>sign, and a car coming from my right were to turn left, cutting the
>corner and hitting me. This is actually a good application for a side-
>facing reflector on a front wheel.
>
>2) If I were in the center, dedicated turn lane on a multi-lane road,
>waiting to turn left, and an oncoming car also merged into the same
>lane, also wanting to turn left. This is a good application for a
>front facing reflector.
>
>Still, I dealt with those lane situations frequently for years, with
>no problems. I now have a white LED blinky on the front, which was
>given to me as a gift. I think it's fine. In addition, my headlights
>have reflector rings surrounding the lamp's lens. There's also a
>collection of various reflective bits on the bike.
>
>I've been a regular night rider and commuter since 1977. No problems
>yet.
>
>- Frank Krygowski
I ride at night a LOT. I have flashing lights front and rear. As
stated by a Lincoln city ordinance. Bicycles must be equipped with a
light front and rear that MUST be visible from 500 feet.
UNFORTUNATELY there are a number of folks out there that don't heed
this. Far too many of them ride with no lights or reflectors. Man,
sure hope they like those chuckholes!!!!!
And the police here don't seem to enforce it like it should be.
Perhaps if they took it upon themselves to write a ticket every ONCE
in a while maybe more folks would pay attention to the fact that you
CAN'T SEE AS WELL AT NIGHT.......DUH............
