Hell Razor5543 wrote: ↑17 Oct 2018, 12:40
One thing that really bugs me is when cyclists have very bright lights flashing at the oncoming vehicles, distracting the drivers.
Front lights in DRL mode need to be visible but not distracting... Mine have a varying intensity DRL mode - they fade from brighter to dimmer and back again on a random few seconds cycle. I also carefully point it down so there is no risk of dazzling any oncoming road users...
Common sense comes into play here too... I find in practice that even on the darkest night I have no need to use the top brightness settings on my headlight at all...
I think we've all been dazzled by bike lights and it is a serious issue. I know I have - to the extent that I've had to stop... One person i regularly cycle with has lights that are so bright they look like modern xenon car headlights! He carries an external (large) battery pack for them!!!
Front flashing lights are generally fine if carefully aimed/timed but must not be used near horses - the flashing can seriously disturb them...
In fact, do you know that no modern LED bike lights actually meet the British Standard and are technically illegal to use...
EDIT: I think I've also adequately answered your second point James...
Remember that I speak here as a fully trained and qualified Ride Leader...