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Cycling for Noobs

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Flatlander Oct 2023 2:23pm, 24 Oct 2023 2,943 posts	Quote Pin Flatlander My post was meant to illustrate that one needs to look beyond the headline of studies, and find what research and methods were used to come to the conclusion stated. Not all studies are rigorously constructed, and a few are designed to produce the result that is wanted. I was offering things for readers to consider when making their own decisions about DRLs. I was not making any recommendation one way or the other. If some people prefer to use DRLs to make them feel safer when cycling that is fine. Just as some motor vehicle headlights are poorly aligned, so are some bicycle lights, some being fitted by the user such that they shine straight into the face of any oncomers and, unlike motor headlights which can be "dipped", bicycle lights, with only a few exceptions, cannot. There are plenty of poor drivers around.
MudMeanderer Oct 2023 3:39pm, 24 Oct 2023 2,476 posts	Quote Pin MudMeanderer twitter.com Forgive me if I don't see promotion of DRLs as just an attempt to shift blame, rather than actually doing anything about road danger.
Northern Exile Oct 2023 6:01pm, 24 Oct 2023 9,834 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile Mmm, this debate has more angst in it than it deserves, we are all cyclists here right? The common theme has to be that we are pretty vulnerable out there and there's no denying that some other road users are less considerate than others, I've (thankfully) just moved away from an area that has a high concentration of cycling enthusiasts and a lot of drivers are openly hostile to them, that's not at all a good thing and if that ever translates to injury (or worse), then questions have to be asked. I'd say we are all in basic agreement that whatever helps us be noticed has got to help and as sensible people we should do that in a way that doesn't endanger other road users. Example: I rarely ride at night, but when I do my front light is a Hope R4, plenty enough power to blind oncoming drivers if not properly adjusted. I keep it well dipped, you'll be glad to hear.
57.5 Degrees of Pain Oct 2023 7:03pm, 24 Oct 2023 14,422 posts	Quote Pin 57.5 Degrees of Pain You are correct Flatlander, all research needs to be studied for uncontrolled confounders, statistical bias and generalisability. Plus commercial interest is always suspect. But the result at least passes the plausibility hurdle without looking at the details Feel very happy that my newish bike has integrated lights so they'll always be on if I remember to charge the battery. One thing I noticed cycling in the dark on quiet country roads last winter (not something I've ever done on previous bikes), good lights and a reflective jacket brings cars to a halt when they come round a bend and are confronted with the 'see and be seen' cyclist!
MudMeanderer Oct 2023 7:29pm, 24 Oct 2023 2,477 posts	Quote Pin MudMeanderer I do get pissed off by this stuff, and will continue to do so until we have our 'stop de kindermort' moment. The way to get more people onto bikes isn't to add extra extra difficulties and requirements, explicit or implicit, to them doing so, just so a poor driver can find something to blame. creativebyrovelo.com
Dvorak Oct 2023 8:03pm, 24 Oct 2023 27,275 posts	Quote Pin Dvorak Pedestrians! They should have lights. Very hard to spot sometimes.
Flatlander Oct 2023 9:26pm, 24 Oct 2023 2,944 posts	Quote Pin Flatlander Dvorak, when I run or walk in the dark outside of street lights I wear small clip-on cycle lights, white on the front and red on the back. Means that around here the many cyclists with no lights can see me.
Cheeky’s Dad Oct 2023 2:57pm, 28 Oct 2023 3,845 posts	Quote Pin Cheeky’s Dad I’m not really a cyclist but my perspective as a motorcyclist of many years is that it is suggested in all bike training to run with lights on during the day. As others have said, any increase in potential visibility can only a good thing. That said, the police motorcyclist who took my basic training years ago had been knocked off by a “sorry mate I didn’t see you” driver, despite being (both him & bike) in top to toe hi-viz. Accidents will happen and some people are beyond help so I take the permanent attitude that everyone is actively trying to kill me and ride accordingly. Whether I’m on two wheels, on horseback, walking or running, I find most drivers are considerate but the odd few I meet are (unintentionally or by design) somewhere between dangerous and psychotic. Be careful out there people!
jacdaw Oct 2023 7:09pm, 28 Oct 2023 4,113 posts	Quote Pin jacdaw If road collisions resulting in the injury or death of more vulnerable road users are the inevitable result of road design, vehicle design, the nature and level of driver training, the likelihood of prosecution for traffic crime and the level of punishment for traffic crime, are they accidents or the inevitable outcome of that systemic design failure? No high vis, flashy lights or compulsory helmets will fix it. That's just victim blaming.
Northern Exile Oct 2023 7:30pm, 28 Oct 2023 9,844 posts	Quote Pin Northern Exile Mmm. How about good old-fashioned inconsiderate/dangerous driving as a factor? There is a serious degree of antipathy towards cyclists out there nowadays, certainly there is in some areas of North Yorkshire and I can't believe it's that much different elsewhere.