David

I flash all the time, that's why I am in trouble all the time with the cops... yes, ha ha ha

Constants seem to blend in, your brain is familiar with all the lights at night, things just start to blend in. I am glad motorcycles have pulse/flashing lights. I brings attention rather quickly.

I do see some overkill. My thought is if you have too many flashing lights you might be more of a hazard.

I am pretty well lit up and still have close calls. Two lights in front (one flashing) 2 or 3 on the back plus I wear a reflective white jacket and white helmet.

Brian Johnson

I just want to add my experience from the other side: Inside a car.

At night, in a sea of headlights, the light of a bicycle (especially
the bright ones) can easily get lost. Low "signal to noise" ratio if
you will. Several times over the past few years when I have been
trying to cross lanes of heavy traffic or pull out onto a road, I
have MISSED the single bright light of bicycles and motorcycles and
pulled out in front of them. Fortunately those weren't even close
calls, but I got some nasty starts anyway. "Holy crap! I didn't even
see that guy!!" Bicycles are even more vulnerable to getting lost
in the visual noise since they typically have no other running lights.

A flashing light, in addition to a bright main light, signals that
you are NOT a car. They help you be seen against all the other
headlights. Remember-- at night, that's just about all that gets
seen: the lights. You need to stand out.

This is what I keep in mind when I go out. Reflectors and bright,
expensive lights are not enough-- you have to stand out. Flash!

Ride safe.

* * *

My father asks "Do you live here or ride a bike?"

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