FabSwingers.com forum: A request .........

By *umpkin OP Man
over a year ago

near the sounds of the wimborne quarter jack!

.... to all cyclists. Now the darker mornings are upon us, please can you pay good attention to your lights!

On my travels to work I`ve seen some brilliant cycle lamps recently and I`ve also seen some that would pathetic if fitted to a childs toy!

Flashing rear lights I concede are a good idea. The railways have been doing this for years on wagons that have no electric supply of their own and rely on battery lights and they are really effective. Flashing front lights are also usefull in a lot of daylight conditions, even in bright sunlight. But PLEEEEEEEESE, no flashing front lights after dark. I find them very confusing particulaly in one case where some of the local ambulances have white flashing lights on the front and some twit was going around the town with on such flashing white light on his helmet! Guess who was pulling over for the "ambulance"! Which takes me to my final point. Please, please, please can you not have lights "fitted" to back packs or helmets because it`s NOT legal. You are riding a vehicle, ableight not mechanically propelled but still in the eyes of the law a vehicle. Front facing lights that can be readily "directed as to dazzle or cause annoyance" are illegal. Yes, properly fitted front lights can be directed but should not dazzle. Yes I know you can but them but I think you`ll find they`re intended for off-road use. Certain user groups (eg the police) may have special dispensation to use them but not for regular use by the public. Those old enough will remember the Citroen DS that had lights that moved with the steering, a gimmick that never caught on but they were a low level light, not a main beam. As for those who have their only rear light fitted on their back pack or helmet, what happens when they look to one side or move their back pack?

I don`t want to make any enemies, just want to keep everyone safe this winter.