The newer, brighter headlights are definitely a problem if riders do not take corrective steps to prevent the frying of others' retinas.
For this reason I strongly recommend helmet-mounted lights. That way when you encounter someone you can turn your head and direct your light away from other people - or hold your hand up to block some of the light. One can also do this with a handlebar-mounted light, but it isn't as convenient. I have a fairly bright helmet-mounted light, and no one has ever expressed displeasure with my light bothering them. There is another big advantage to a helmet-mounted light: if you are concerned about motorists seeing you, nothing beats turning your head and sweeping your light all over the place to let them know you are there. If I am being approached by a motorist who is behaving in a way that seems dangerous, I shine my light directly at them. As for warning other riders, cyclists need to converge on a common message. "Ouch! Too bright!" or something, along with holding up one's arm to block the light. Maybe the Bike Fed or something could do a campaign? The longer-term solution is comprehensive TRANSPORTATION education for school children. Walking safely. Bicycling safely. THEN driving safely. Needless to say, the current political climate is not the best for this! Hans Noeldner Viral Narratives Mfg. Co. Oregon, Wisconsin
_______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
