tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post2082895918283692191..comments2024-03-18T08:00:58.425-07:00Comments on Midlife Cycling: Trying To Shed Some LightJustine Valinottihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-55683253137148604142015-11-07T14:14:19.946-08:002015-11-07T14:14:19.946-08:00Leo--I have, when crossing a multilane road, have ...Leo--I have, when crossing a multilane road, have had drivers give me the right-of-way when there were other lanes of traffic to their right. That situation often occurs where the off-ramps from bridges and highways merge onto local streets.<br /><br />Like you, I also establish eye contact with drivers before I take the right-of-way. Generally, I assume that they (and police officers) are not cognizant of when cyclists have the same rights as motorists.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-47243805572696210572015-11-07T13:00:45.984-08:002015-11-07T13:00:45.984-08:00The legal question as to who has the right-of-way,...The legal question as to who has the right-of-way, for instance , is cut and dried. (The "right hook" is ALWAYS the driver's fault.) The problem is that, as the set of laws is fairly new, not all cyclists and drivers actually know they are equal to each other. For the time being I continue with my old policy of establishing eye contact with drivers before taking the right-of-way. Most irritating is when drivers give me the right-of-way when I don't have it. That can result in some dangerous situations. I usually put both feet on the ground and maybe stamp one down a few times.<br /><br />LeoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-67944896266607793332015-11-06T16:12:37.610-08:002015-11-06T16:12:37.610-08:00Leo--I might favor separated bike paths if they we...Leo--I might favor separated bike paths if they were legally part of the road and cyclists were the same as drivers, as you say is the case in Finland. For one thing, it might lead drivers to be more aware and respectful of cyclists. For another, it might make law enforcement, as applied to cyclists, less subjects to the whims or misinterpretations of police officers.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-62669109842656871632015-11-06T09:47:05.835-08:002015-11-06T09:47:05.835-08:00I am up here in Northern Europe, Finland, at 63N l...I am up here in Northern Europe, Finland, at 63N latitude. All forms of traffic are highly regulated here, much to everybody's advantage. There is a new set of national traffic laws in effect now that defines separated bike paths as part of the road legally, and makes cyclists the equal of cars. We have to make turn signals, etc., by law. This town of about 70,000 people has something in the range of 250 kilometers of separated bike paths.<br /><br />It did not occur to me that you would insist people did things the same way you do. You are not that kind of person.<br /><br />LeoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-12255752309533527412015-11-05T14:27:23.688-08:002015-11-05T14:27:23.688-08:00Coline--Well Said.
Unknown--It's true that to...Coline--Well Said.<br /><br />Unknown--It's true that today's lights are much brighter and simply better. I'd love to see someone make something like that Wonder armband light, with LEDs and more modern electronics. Or, almost any retro-style light with modern furnishings.<br /><br />Anon--Where are you? I have heard that in some places, cyclists have been ticketed for using flashing red lights. I think you are right about the usefulness and safety of flashing lights on country roads vs. urban areas. I hope it didn't seem that I was trying to tell readers they should use what I use. Most of my night riding is in urban areas, and I believe that what I'm using makes sense in such environments. Now, if I lived in the country, I might buy a Schmidt dynamo hub or something like it.<br /><br />Teamdarb--If I were doing a tour like yours, I might spring for a system like yours. Having your batteries die on you is not as big a deal in the city as it is in the conditions you describe. <br /><br />What you say about the Union generator reminds me of France where, until recently, headlights (for bikes as well as cars) were yellow.Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-74581665342347432912015-11-05T13:18:36.717-08:002015-11-05T13:18:36.717-08:00The best investment I've made cycling is that ...The best investment I've made cycling is that dynamo hub and Supernova lighting. I consciously paid extra to get the low key black anodized version. I've even manipulated it by switching to 12v versus the 6v generated from the hub. In one years continual ramble of America I didn't over$400 on batteries for a front light alone. Now, I have found yellow glow from the NOS Union generator kit much more pleasant on my eyes. I can make it more colors and judge depth easier. However, the generator just will never instill confidence in a long distance adventure anymore. I'm really spoiled by that dynamo. I'll never rely on battery powered lighting solely. Nothing worst then making a last minute detour and having it shut down on you mid ride. teamdarbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10730985048207207697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-63206283186965804722015-11-05T12:32:31.926-08:002015-11-05T12:32:31.926-08:00You get a ticket for a flashing red light here. Fl...You get a ticket for a flashing red light here. Flashing red is strictly reserved for emergency vehicles.<br /><br />I have seen some studies that indicate that it is very difficult to estimate the distance of, and the direction of travel of a flashing light in the dark. I have observed this myself. Blinkies just might confuse car drivers. I really think that flashing lights are contra-indicated for travel on dark country roads. They may be alright in a well-lit urban environment.<br /><br />Leo Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-9677950916034073662015-11-04T15:13:11.083-08:002015-11-04T15:13:11.083-08:00I used to use that same Wonder light, also strappe...I used to use that same Wonder light, also strapped below my knee. The new lights are so much brighter.<br /><br />KiyomiUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11500795990096186605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-23074267639091032112015-11-04T15:00:23.688-08:002015-11-04T15:00:23.688-08:00Fellow humans!Fellow humans!Colinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01667939789517989280noreply@blogger.com