This is really interesting. I think the comments they make about attentional processes are valid. I can understand how you would become fixated (even if you werent drunk) on the light to ensure you knew exactly where the cyclist was.

I've always used a blinking light because I've been worried about the "sensory adaptation" effect of a single, constant beam. Kind of like when you wear a watch, it's always there so you are not consciously aware of it. But if you put it on the other wrist you'd notice it for a while until your senses just adapted to it and "tuned it out".

Now i'm wondering if I should have two lights - one that is a constant red light so that drivers will easily know where i am on the road, and another that blinks so that it keeps stimulating drivers attention and they dont just zone out and forget i'm there.

Interesting stuff.