[SDCBC] Bicyclist Dies After Being Hit By Mercedes

[JonIsaacs at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/20/07 10:20:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
JimBaross at cox.net writes:

> A regrettable crash. My sympathy for his family and friends.
> 
> On the subject of reflectors versus a front light, I'm siding with 
> Serge.  The front light is far more valuable than side reflectors in 
> this and most other situations... primarily for the reasons Serge 
> stated. Side facing and other reflectors are required for legal night 
> riding though, and if you want to use more than required go for it, 
> but don't skimp on the front lights!  And, legal headlights are to be 
> visible from the sides as well.
> 
> Do you suppose those folks riding at night with no lights and wearing 
> dark clothing are following to often stated safety, and faulty, 
> advice to "ride as though you are invisible"?
> 
> Jim B
> ---------------

To all:

I am always uncomfortable dissecting and discussing an unfortunate occurance 
such as this one so soon, someone died and I feel a need for a period of 
respect and mourning is in order.  Concern for the family and friends, another 
cyclist has gone down...  

But, if anyone is going to learn from this, discussion and dissection is 
necessary...

Here are a few thoughts:

- I am with Serge and Jim on this one. Light yourself up,  good practice is a 
good solid head light, at least 10 watts and hopefully double that with 2 
beams, multiple flashing tail lights, including at least one that shows to side.  


- When finished setting up the lights for the winter season, I set the bike 
against the garage door and walk away and see how visible the bike is from a 
variety of angles, I want to be as visible as a car because I am going to be 
right there in traffic.   I also ask my wife to look at me when I am on the bike. 
 This not only gives me a independent opinion but also I think it helps her 
be confident that I will be safe.

- One great thing about riding at night is that with proper lighting it puts 
you on an equal footing with other vehicular traffic, visibility is not longer 
a function of size but how bright your are.

-  The minimum legal light is probably visible but does not put one on an 
equal footing with other vehicles.   I see people with fancy Ti bikes riding at 
night with a $10 head lamp, doesn't make sense to me...

-  Here is something I have wondered about but never tried, maybe some of you 
are doing this and can tell me how it works:   Wearing an red or maybe amber 
flasher each wrist.  This provides ample side visibility and when giving a 
left or right turn signal, it becomes a flashing turn signal.

-  Jim's final question is interesting philosophically but I doubt very much 
that people who ride at night with dark clothing and no lights are following 
anyones advice.

-  My thinking is that if one is going to be riding "vehicularly" then one 
needs to be lit up like any other vehicle. 

Enough rambling....

Jon


 

-  


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