However, it did remind me that it's still a good thing to be seen, especially under the trees on a dull day, or as sunset approaches. Even after a clear sunset, darkness can fall very quickly with just a mile or two to go.
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| Blackburn Mars 3.0 |
The Blackburn Mars 3.0 rear light is excellent value for money. One or two more expensive red lights may be brighter or flash in a more effective pattern, but the Mars 3.0 is very bright from the rear, employs an effective, attention grabbing strobe effect, and also shows a bright amber light to either side, a requirement of European rear lights. The Mars 3.0 uses two AAA batteries, which last a very long time.
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| Blackburn Flea 2.0 |
Blackburn also manufacture a Flea rear light, but its strobe mode employs LEDs only a few millimetres apart, so I'm not certain the differentiation is noticeable.
Of course, there are other effective bicycle lights available. The most important thing is to be seen. So, regardless of manufacturer, make sure front and rear lights face the traffic. Too many conspicuity lights are aimed down towards the ground, make them far less effective as aids to safety.
Incidentally, you can find New Jersey sunset times here ...
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I've taken to running the rearward blinky day and night to increase visibility. Most of the riding here is in shady, tree-covered territory where a bicycle is difficult to see even on a sunny day. However, last year when I did Bike Virginia, people seemed not to understand the concept and kept telling me that the light was on and wouldn't take "I know, thanks" for an answer. One lady seemed positively irritated by the idea that one would ride a bicycle with a tail light on during the daytime, like it was some sort of breach of etiquette.
ReplyDeleteAround here, even on the brightest days, it can be pretty dark under the trees, at least in comparison to out in the open. So I tend to carry a rear blinky even then.
ReplyDeleteI've had drivers comment on what a waste of time it is flashing at them in broad daylight, but I reckon that if they comment, then they've seen me. Mission accomplished.
I'm from Europe and most cars use daytime running lights there. If it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me.