The problem with some of the flashing cycle lights is that they have a distinct "Off" period. This means that the eye can "lose" them in a saccade and then take a second to pick them back up again, by which time the cycle could have moved into a hazardous position.When I bought my flashing lights I made sure they had a very rapid strobe to avoid this from happening.
often directly in the driver's sightline and
The answer though is not to go with these silly, strictly speaking illegal (should be no more than 3 flashes per second)
I was brought up to believe that any TV screen visible to the driver was illegal. Yet nowadays it is common to see cars driving along with smartphones stuck to the windscreen, often directly in the driver's sightline and often being "prodded" while the vehicle is in motion.
I've long thought that cars should have either Amazon echo or Google home type device built in. It would eliminate the need to touch any button at all while driving. They could be a sensor that deactivated all buttons while the vehicle is in motion and then all features are voice controlled. Sat nav, radio, even lights could all be done with your voice instead of your fingers
Quote from: midden on 02 June 2019, 04:54:50 amThe answer though is not to go with these silly, strictly speaking illegal (should be no more than 3 flashes per second) Actually the law states 1-4 flashes per second (60 - 240 per minute), but I've seen some that go flash-flash-flash-off, flash-flash-flash-off which is even more stupid IMO!!
Interesting to read some of the responses here, I read the article and what stuck in my mind was how we don't see as we move our heads and the brain fills in the gaps. Whether on two wheels or in four I guess that's something we should all remember.🤔
Quote from: dickturpin on 03 June 2019, 11:59:26 pmInteresting to read some of the responses here, I read the article and what stuck in my mind was how we don't see as we move our heads and the brain fills in the gaps. Whether on two wheels or in four I guess that's something we should all remember.🤔It's moving your head at with determination and speed. One flaw in the flashing light theory is the more popular the flashing light becomes, the less the brain will spot it as that changing feature which alerts it mid motion. I can't see a flashing bike light being effective down the Blackpool mile
There is also the trouble that when in traffic with a bike in front with only a flashing rear light I tend to find my head steering away from it as annoying rather than taking more care to look out for the bike with a solid state light.
IMHO it is also due to attitude. Most drivers approach hazards like junctions, traffic lights, roundabouts etc. with the intention of going. Personally I approach with the expectation of stopping?The classic rear end shunt at roundabouts is an example of this flaw.