LEDs on bikes saving lives

6.5CM

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Since the advent of LED bike lights (front and rear) cyclists have been able to be seen much better than with incandescent lights. Plus LED lights, now with most having circuit boards, permit flashing modes making for even better visual identification to motor vehicle drivers.
I feel far safer now than I did daytime cycling in the '80s, thanks to LED lights, now more powerful than ever.
Eric B.
 

defloyd77

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A real great development in the bike lighting world is the "steady flash" mode. I had bugged a few companies for years to do something like this and finally they started incorporating it into lights.

Flashing lights are good for catching attention, but makes you hard to track. You kind of just vanish in between flashes. If you have to dodge something in that time, a car isn't going to see that and could hit you.
 

aznsx

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Im sure theoretically yes, especially in combination with hi-vis vests or jackets. Practically I almost never see anyone use them.

The hi-vis garb isn't too big around here either, but at least head protection is catching on well. The (annoying) flashing lights are all the rage though. The issue I have is that since the horse and buggy days, here a flashing light has always signified a vehicle that's stopped for some duration (usually on the roadside), a vehicle that's in the process of making a turn, or is a cop (emergency vehicle). Now flashing lights (on bikes) are everywhere, which can (therefore) be a bit confusing for those of us who aren't. I won't complain though, because the totally incompetent average driver here is probably playing with their phone and often oblivious to everything around them - particularly any 2-wheeled vehicles, and distracting them with anything, including a flashing light, is likely the only way of getting them to be more attentive to the 2-wheelers. For that reason, I'll put up with being a little annoyed by all the flashing around me.

I've often heard that most drivers in your country are (compared w/ the U.S.) generally far more competent, and that they have to at least somewhat demonstrate that to get a license. It's abundantly clear to me that in '23, pretty much anyone here can get a license if they're breathing. It's sad - and very dangerous.
 

Toulouse42

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I so agree. I'm stunned by the inability of many drivers to understand the size of their vehicle. Only yesterday I saw some idiot drive into a narrow section of road whilst a lorry (truck) was coming the other way. He/she/it could have backed up, but no, the lorry driver had to mount the bank and low wall to get past.
 

alpg88

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\

I've often heard that most drivers in your country are (compared w/ the U.S.) generally far more competent, and that they have to at least somewhat demonstrate that to get a license. It's abundantly clear to me that in '23, pretty much anyone here can get a license if they're breathing. It's sad - and very dangerous.
that is a myth, i've been to many countries of the world, we are not the worst, not even close.
 

KITROBASKIN

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Since the advent of LED bike lights (front and rear) cyclists have been able to be seen much better than with incandescent lights. Plus LED lights, now with most having circuit boards, permit flashing modes making for even better visual identification to motor vehicle drivers.
I feel far safer now than I did daytime cycling in the '80s, thanks to LED lights, now more powerful than ever.
Eric B.
Daytime cycling using contemporary lighting sure does seem like a good idea, as long as motorists are not too annoyed with it.

That fatality data does not factor in the amount of bike use, time of day, location, etc.
 

alpg88

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Just because something sounds good in theory, does not mean it works the same way in real world. Back when led brake lights appeared, it was said that it will have a great impact on safety, since led lights up faster, drivers will have an extra 10 or so feet to stop, well, sounds good, and logical, but it had no effect on safety, and crashes. Another failure of logic is vision zero that not only it did not come close to 0 pedestrian fatalities, but actually made it worse,.
 

aznsx

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that is a myth, i've been to many countries of the world, we are not the worst, not even close.

Let me clarify my post for you.

I've often heard that most drivers in your country are (compared w/ the U.S.) generally far more competent, and that they have to at least somewhat demonstrate that to get a license.

I have heard / seen no data suggesting that the U.S. is the "worst", and did not suggest that was the case; however I have absolutely seen such info suggesting that Germany is superior to the U.S. in this particular regard. Most things are relative, and my post was stating the situation in relative terms (U.S. / Germany specifically), and did not identify 'worst' case. It could be Burkina Faso for all I know, or care. You completely missed the essence of my statement.
 

alpg88

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I've been to germany, they have their own reckless idiots driving. as well as uk. Not sure what you consider more competent. yes they do have more complex rules and more road signs. however it does not make them better drivers. US is much easier and simpler in that regard. There is just no need for american drivers to know as much as german drivers, cuz that knowledge does not apply to us roads. I do not see how it makes them less competent drivers
However our fatality rates are 3x of germany, but the reason is not driver competence, but reckless disregard for life. just look into fatal accidents, you'll see vast majority of driver causing such accidents are under 30 years old males, who are intoxicated and\or drive stolen cars. with total disregard for rules, they do not really care what happens, even if arrested they are released with no bail and charges will most likely be dropped, You can thank liberal bail reform for that, not lack of knowledge.

just this morning on my drive to work listening to the radio, 24 year male went thru red at high rate of speed hit an suv with 2 seniors, both died, a week before a 16 years old drove a car much faster than speed limit, lost control of thre car hit a tree, everyone in the car died, there was 5 people there, oldest was 17. and it was only in new york city, Every week I hear of 1 or 2 fatal accidents. Ever day on my way to and from work i see at least 1 accident, often multiple, most are minor collisions, with no injuries, but sometimes it gets really bad. so bad that cops have to close a part of the highway.
 
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cy

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I'm constantly cycling .. without question flashing LED lights makes one more visible/safer.
what works the best are flashing LED in SOS mode. this slows down flashes to avoid causing seizures.

flashing white LED in SOS mode pointed rearwards are the most effective with a few LED lights giving option to slow down flashes further. one is visible far back as 1/4 mile. another LED flashing SOS pointed forward improves chances of oncoming vehicles seeing you.
 

Olumin

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Getting a licence is certainly more involved in Germany, with a comprehensive theoretical & a practical exam. Its not uncommon for someone to repeat at lest one of these a couple times before they pass. Theoretical exam consists of around 1000 questions & answers of which then 30 are randomly picked in a multiple choice test. The practical portion consists of demonstrating certain functions & operations on a car, adjusting the seats, mirrors, headrests + naming certain parts & explaining their function, parking & breaking exercises, country road & inner city driving. You also have to drive on the Autobahn aswell as demonstrate night driving and long distance driving. If its winter the instructor will also usually have you drive on slippery roads. Most licences are done on manuals, but there is a license specially for automatics. Its just that you'll only ever be allowed to drive automatics so most people obviously go with manual.
 
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alpg88

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Getting a licence is certainly more involved in Germany, with a comprehensive theoretical & a practical exam. Its not uncommon for someone to repeat at lest one of these a couple times before they pass. Theoretical exam consists of around 1000 questions & answers of which then 30 are randomly picked in a multiple choice test. The practical portion consists of demonstrating certain functions & operations on a car, adjusting the seats, mirrors, headrests + naming certain parts & explaining their function, parking & breaking exercises, country road & inner city driving. You also have to drive on the Autobahn aswell as demonstrate night driving and long distance driving. If its winter the instructor will also usually have you drive on slippery roads. Most licences are done on manuals, but there is a license specially for automatics. Its just that you'll only ever be allowed to drive automatics so most people obviously go with manual.
Our tests, written and driving, are way simpler. most drivers have no clue how the car works, and can not themselves change a tire, we have much fewer road signs. no one is required to attend any driving school, all you need to do is show up on a tests with your own car, you can hire an instructor, or you can learn and practice yourself. about 99% of cars in usa are automatics, but you can bring a manual car for a test. the driving tests lasts about 5-10 min, you go around a block on a local road, parallel park, make a u turn, and make sure you fasten your belt, use turn signals, look around when switching lanes, and you are good to go. however there are people who fail, I know a lady who took over 30 tests before she passed, and a guy who used to be a taxi driver in ussr, it took him 7 times to pass. She was a new driver, but the guy had 30+ years experience. My mother failed twice, she was too nervous, one time she did not look when pulling out of parking, second time she failed to use a signal while getting out the parking spot. She has been driving for 20+ years, no accident and tickets.
 

defloyd77

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Actually some interesting stories, you ask me.

What do others think about using SOS pattern front and back white lights during the day? Sounds good to me.

I don't know. Part of me thinks using SOS in a non emergency situation is a terrible idea, the other part of me doesn't think too many people will even realize it's SOS when they see it.

Bike lights have plenty of flashing patterns that aren't "aggressively" flashing and are distinctly bike lights flashing.

Using white back lights is illegal in many areas and for good reason. Not a good idea. You don't want to confuse a driver into thinking a bike is coming head on toward them.
 

louie

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As a point of interest, Washington State USA specifically bans flashing lights except red bike taillights (or emergency vehicles), and rears must be red. Thus, I do not flash my white front bike light, nor am I convinced it's much safer to have a flashing white front. Nothing will save you when the motorist is updating their Facebook page.

I bike commute year 'round.
 

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