Safety Illumination Advice

Shreklookalike

Two red lights on back, one flashing the other steady, plus a rear reflector. Two battery operated Bell halogen headlamps. I use one until it quits, then turn on the other and recharge batteries on the first when I get home. I also bought some of the same reflective tape that they use on trucks. I've got some on my bike frame, some on my helmet, and some on my backpack. My ride home is only about 3 miles and not too much traffic.

Powerful Pete

Have any of you checked out the Lupine systems (google 'em). From all the reviews I read they appear to be the best lighting systems out there. Of course, most of them cost more than the average bike we are riding...

Any thoughts or experience with these?

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aisT

Hi,

I'm fairly new to cycling and this forum. I've started commuting to university which is just under 9 miles each way, and there is a 5 to 6 mile stretch on an unlit road where a small amount of traffic moves at the national speed limit (60mph). There are a couple of days I cycle back when its dark but being quite new to commuting, I'm not sure what I'm doing is safe. At the moment I have a bright flourescent yellow cycling jacket with a reflective strip, a rear LED and a dual light (filament and LED) which has to be strapped to my helmet as my basket gets in the way. Is this dangerous, and is it worthwhile for me to invest in more lights?

aisT

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Shreklookalike

I'd suggest trying to find a way to affix a light to your basket (that way if your helmet lamp goes off you've got instant backup). If your seatpost is up high enough add a second flasher (chances are both sets of batteries won't fail on the same night). Add reflective tape to your helmet and several spots on your frame (I use the same tape they put on tractor trailers). Just do everything you can to make certain nobody can ever use the excuse "I didn't see you".

listopad

Although decent lights are obviously essential, I believe that ankle reflectors are the best means of being noticed at night (in conjunction with all the other bits and pieces). I find that however powerful a light is, there are so many white / red lights that they merge into each other, while the movement associated with ankle reflectors is unique and more noticeable. This morning, during heavy rain (and poor light) I saw a guy's ankle reflectors before I saw his lights and his high-vis jacket.

rule62

If you have ever seen an aircraft carrier all lit up for show during a port stay...that is what I look like when I ride in the dark. The only criticism that I have ever gotten about my safety illumination approach was from an area police officer who pointed out that drunks are attracted to flashing lights, prompting me to perhaps rethink the setup on my taillights. And yeah, the ankle and wrist band blinking relectors are typically what I get asked about because of how well they show up and complete the picture of my silhouette for drivers.

steve57910

I was looking at they dynohub but am concerned that the single headlamp is only 3w. How bright is this? I am used to the 10w battery pack system.

saturnsc2

i just installed a shimano dynohub on my 10-speed using a lumotec headlamp & led dynamo driven rear taillight. i ride all over town through lit & unlit roads & it is awesome! don't pay attention to watts. it's the lumens that count. the beam pattern of the lumotec has a oval pattern. i see very good no matter where i go. & the best thing--no batteries! ride all night with no worry of dead batteries. the lumotec has those standlights when i stop too. i always used bottle dynamos which worked out good, but the hub has no drag that i can feel, & it's so wierd riding with no noise comming from the old dynamo system as the hub makes no noise at all. the best thing--the lights come on automatically with that light sensitive automatic switch. it's so cool! i recommend it highly. it's kind of expensive up front--$119.00 for the hub, & $75.00 for the front wheel rebuild. + the cost of the lights too, but they are not much. you can use any dynamo lights as long as they are 6 volt, 3 watt. it's a long term solution to consistant bike lights & it will be the last system you would need...

Mikek3

Now that is getting dark in the mornings my commute is a little more exciting. I have the standard dual flashers on the back and white flashers and a headlight in front plus a neon yellow jacket with reflective tape. What bothers me is how many other cycle commuters do not use lights and rely on their dark blue or red cycle jacket with reflective tape. Cars just cannot see them in certain situations especially at dawn or dusk. I guess they think they are just being cool. Ottawa is a great city for cycle commuters and the drivers are fairly used to them. But they are definitely taking a chance.

jhas

One more person chiming in!

My 15-mile (one way) commute includes urban street riding and unlit, paved bike trail riding. I subscribe to the "more light is better" school. Up front I have a LaserEdge halogen system (www.bicyclelights.com) It's a phenomenal bargain at about $80US including shipping. Mine has two 15-watt lamps, so if I switch them both on I've got 30W. It lights up every pothole, crack, etc. and really catches the drivers' attention (which in Boston is no small accomplishment).

In back I use a 5-LED "blinky" Also, I have reflective ankle bands, and a few strips of reflective tape on the frame. So far, so good.