On Wed, 1 Jun 2005 11:55:31 -0400, "C.J.Patten"
<
[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"iakobski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>>> I ditched the front and rear reflectors too - the law around here calls
>>>> for LIGHTS. 
>>
>> Personally, if riding on roads in the dark, I'd rather have every aid
>> to being seen. I take my spoke reflectors off, but put them back on
>> when I'm riding at night. Ditto front and rear reflectors, if they're
>> not going to be behind luggage. If you've ever driven a car and seen
>> how amazingly visible a bike with spoke reflectors is on a roundabout,
>> compared to one without, you'll appreciate what I mean.
>>
>> On Sunday afternoon I was nearly hit head on - sunny afternoon, clear
>> view, no other traffic about. When I stared and shook my head, the
>> dippy driver shrugged and said "I didn't SEE you", in a tone that was
>> meant to convey it was my fault for being invisible. If she can't see
>> in broad daylight and pulls out anyway, then if I meet her in the dark
>> I want to be sure I've done everything I can to make myself visible.
>
>Wow. You really found a nut bar with that lady... :O
>
>I'm a big supporter of day time running lights. If I had an alternator on my
>bike, I'd sure have a set.
>
>My experience with cars, bikes and planes is that they're *more* visible at
>night when running with full lighting on. Everything's black around except
>that one shining point of light. Not that the actual vehicle itself is more
>visible but the light attracts your eyes.
>
>Found some nifty, unobtrusive retro-reflector tape: it's *black.*
>In daylight, it looks just, well black! Shine a light on it and it goes
>bright white. Kinda neat!
>
>C.
>
Personally, after dark, I want to be obtrusive. Anything is better
than being hit. Many drivers are inebriated or not paying attention.
I'm addicted to staying alive and healthy and will do whatever it
takes.
Try these: what is use is a clear one on the front and red one on the
back (or on a trouser band is even better). These are real Xenon
strobes that cannot be missed, they are so obtrusive, especially the
clear one..
http://www.emprep.com/lightman strobe.html
Of course if you want to risk a ticket, you could try the dual red and
*blue* cop ones, and everyone will slow down when they see you at a
great distance! I don't want to risk confiscation, though I'd play
dumb if pulled over, but here they are for the adventurous. Along with
other color combos and bike handlebar mounts.
http://www.southwestpublicsafety.com/ligprofbikst.html
Of course, it comes to mind that a red-green two-flasher combination
might not be illegal in many states, and worth a try, and yet still
make many drivers think you're a cop.
I don't use the strobes all the time, only when I don't feel
completely safe. I rode at night in Florida this past February in Ft.
Lauderdale, while visiting relatives, long drive home after dark, and
it was not pleasant. Unfortunately I didn't have the strobes on the
trip. Florida has the highest rate of bike deaths due to hits, if I am
not mistaken.
Geezer Boy
