ForumSage
SupporterTwice tonight I had a problem with very bright lights on an approaching bicycle and I wondered if it is common or just a one-off because of the places it happened.
Both bikes had incredibly bright, pulsing headlights. There was no problem seeing them as they appeared brighter than car headlights. The problem was that I found it almost impossible to judge how far away they were.
It may have been partly because they were bright enough to be dazzling, partly because of the pulsing, and partly because unlike a car, it is just a single light.
I'm sure I read some research back in the days before motorcycles started having headlights on in the daytime. The research suggested that although the headlight increased the chance of the motorcycle being seen, it reduced the motorists' ability to judge the distance. Maybe this is evidence of the same problem.
I hadn't noticed that being a problem before, but on the other hand I have never seen cycle headlights anywhere near as bright as these two.
Has anyone else found it difficult to judge the distance to an approaching cyclist at night?
1973 Series III LWB 1983 - 2006
1998 300 Tdi Defender Trayback 2006 - often fitted with a Trayon slide-on camper.
Swaggie
This is the rear light I'm guessing? I think there is a trend towards getting the brightest light possible to make sure they're seen at all. Cyclists get wiped out with dull lights, especially when there is background light from other vehicles and shops/buildings, I learnt that as I so very nearly sent one bloke to heaven while in a round about.
Cheers
Slunnie
~ Discovery II Td5 ~ Discovery 3dr V8 ~ Series IIa 6cyl ute ~ Series II V8 ute ~
YarnMaster
Hi,
Having the light on the helmet/head I find is the biggest dazzle factor, because the rider moves his/her head around, and the light has a similar beam columniation to a search light.
Usually lights mounted on the bike can be pointed to the road with a bit more consistency.
Ideally, the conspicuity lighting should not be a beam with a narrow focus point like a search light, but dimpled and refracted similar to tail lights (but not red of course) which have an even spread with out the focus/dazzle of a light that is used to see things in the dark.
Cheers
ForumSage
SupporterThe white headlight at the front.Originally Posted by Slunnie
1973 Series III LWB 1983 - 2006
1998 300 Tdi Defender Trayback 2006 - often fitted with a Trayon slide-on camper.
ForumSage
Headlight I believe.
Swaggie
I encountered the same problem of not being able to tell how near or far away multiple bicycles were with their bright flashing white headlights bobbing around seemingly forever on an otherwise empty 100 kph road pre-dawn north of Alice Springs.
MY21.5 L405 D350 Vogue SE with 19s. Produce LLAMS for LR/RR, Jeep GC/Dodge Ram
VK2HFG and APRS W1 digi, RTK base station using LoRa
Loud Mouthed Rat Bag
To exit my street I have to cross a cycle way. They are coming down hill and often, at a fair clip. The brighter the light the better for mine, because I can then distinguish them from the lights behind them. If I can see them then I know they're close enough for me to stop and wait.
LED Lights are so intense and so prolific these days that they are becoming a real problem generally.
Cheers, Billy.
Keeping it simple is complicated.
TopicToaster
Same problem in the UK.
Master
I'd rather be able to see a cyclist than not. The dazzle is a minor inconvenience compared to being killed.
This poor guy was killed by an inexperienced driver, he wasn't difficult to see as the headline suggests:
Endurance cyclist Mike Hall 'difficult to see' before fatal collision near Canberra, inquest hears - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
If you want a more robust analysis of the coroners inquest and the failure of the police to take proper evidence and their poor attempt to recreate the accident scene, take a look here:
In the Public Interest - Australian Cycle Alliance
Bright lights are better than being killed...
Don't forget that modern vehicle headlights cause dazzle problems as well.
Master
Get dazzled by way more cars than i do pushies.
The cars give me the ****s , especially those that think its ok to drive with fog lights on all the time.
The pushies....i dont blame them for wanting to be seen.
I have a cycle way that runs past our house incase you think i never encounter them.
Oh and the ones without lights at all are way worse.
Regarding judging distance, im thinking it has something to do with the physical size of the light rather than its brightness. Its a small light so you think its further away.
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