Bike light question

I've only ever ridden in the daytime, but soon it will be getting dark earlier. Some days I find myself getting home much later which isn't a problem now, but will be as it gets dark out earlier. I broke down and bought a Planet Bike front and tail light yesterday at REI. (I was also looking seriously at the road bikes). I just want to be safe. I plan on wearing my reflective vest too. So here's a dumb question. One of the settings on each light has a strobe or flashing effect. Why would I need or use that? Just curious. You can tell I'm a newbie.

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Originally Posted by sempronialou

I've only ever ridden in the daytime, but soon it will be getting dark earlier. Some days I find myself getting home much later which isn't a problem now, but will be as it gets dark out earlier. I broke down and bought a Planet Bike front and tail light yesterday at REI. (I was also looking seriously at the road bikes). I just want to be safe. I plan on wearing my reflective vest too. So here's a dumb question. One of the settings on each light has a strobe or flashing effect. Why would I need or use that? Just curious. You can tell I'm a newbie.

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Strobe or Flashing mode is to help drivers to see you - it just helps to get their attention.

The strobe effect helps make you more visible to others. Whereas having the steady light on would help you see what's ahead of you, the strobe effect catches the attention of motorists and pedestrians who might not otherwise think to look for a passing cyclist at night. This can be especially helpful at dusk when you don't necessarily need the light to see your path, but would still want to draw attention to yourself.

I keep two (Planet Bike :)) headlights on my bike, and often I'll leave one on steady and one flashing, depending on where/when I'm riding.

That makes sense. I'm glad to know now. Thank you for answering. All the more reason to have a light on my bike now. :-)