Reflections on my first darkness “commute”

[Mr. Bloom]

Preston said a little while back that he was amazed how much he had invested in bike lights, and how grateful he was that Mrs. Preston didn't realize that ;-)

I suspect that Mrs. P is very happy Mr. P is VERY visible

Plus, he get's good deals at Expo's

[redrhodie]

When is it best to use flashing lights versus non-flashing up front? I don't want to blind oncoming drivers, but I want to see and be seen. Is there a rule of thumb, or is it just my preference?

[Eden]

When is it best to use flashing lights versus non-flashing up front? I don't want to blind oncoming drivers, but I want to see and be seen. Is there a rule of thumb, or is it just my preference?

Some people may not agree with me but as a driver or an observer of other cyclists I think a flashing light is more visible and more indicative that you are a bicycle. As a cyclist I need a steady light to see by.

Personally I use both. My flashing light is not a bright as my steady light and my steady light is pointed at the ground so that it is not blinding people.

[Deborajen]

Some people may not agree with me but as a driver or an observer of other cyclists I think a flashing light is more visible and more indicative that you are a bicycle. As a cyclist I need a steady light to see by.

I agree with this. While reading through this thread, I was remembering a couple of instances when, while driving, I noticed a cyclist with flashing red lights clipped to the back of his/her jersey. It was a clearly visible sight, and it got my attention because it wasn't anything I was used to seeing on the road. I wondered what in the world it was - and I got in the other lane and watched out for it and then was able to pass safely. As a cyclist, that's what you want.