finally!...my son and I are always so concerned about bikers and walkers in the dark, with no highway lighting in the boonies, it is so dangerous and you can miss seeing them way too easily, has scared us!would be nice to have something for the walking too!.. *********************************
Michelin Just Made A Bike Lighting System That Protects Cyclists From Traffic Inside Its Ring Of Red Light
Night time bike rides can be a thrilling experience instead of a terrifying one if you take appropriate safety measures. French tire manufacturer Michelin has created a lighting device for bicycles that could become a vital piece of gear for any two-wheeled nightcrawler.
Bikesphere constantly analyzes the area around the cyclist and warns him if traffic intensity changes. Its proximity sensor detects an approaching vehicle, and if the car gets too close, the system will automatically activate two rapidly revolving lasers to shield the bike with a red halo. This alerts the cyclist about an approaching vehicle and drastically increases his visibility.
During the day, Bikesphere preserves energy and works as a regular headlamp. Michelin developed this genius device as part of its #TrendyDrivers initiative that seeks to reduce accidents on the road. The company also plans to make the system open source so every user can custom-build their own version of Bikesphere and provide tips for others on how to improve the initial design to best fit their cycling habits and needs.
Date: June 12, 2017 at 22:05:01 From: Skywise, [DNS_Address] Subject: Re: bike lighting protets cyclists w/ring of red light
As a regular bicycle commuter, who often has to ride at night, and who has a custom led lighting system reminiscent of police lights with strobes visible up to half a mile away, my experience tells me it won't make a difference.
There are people who intentionally and with malicious intent try to run bicycles off the road who are lawfully there. I have been passed with less than 6 inches of clearance (even while in designated bike lanes/routes). I have people threaten to run me down. I have had several who actually tried to do so. I have had people get out of their vehicles while I was stopped at red lights. I have had to defend myself physically because some idiot can't be bothered to change lanes and just go around.
So it doesn't matter how lit up you are. Lights don't stop assholes from being assholes. If you want to ride a bicycle in the road*, be prepared to fight for your rights. Literally.
Report it to the police? Don't even get me started on that one....
Brian
*I can only speak for California law, but bicycles have equal right and privilege to the road as any vehicle. We are not required to ride in the gutter. The right lane *IS* the bike lane unless there is ample shoulder to ride safely. In many places it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk.
Date: June 16, 2017 at 17:44:34 From: JTRIV, [DNS_Address] Subject: Re: Good to see you Brian! (NT)
(NT)
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Date: June 12, 2017 at 23:54:08 From: kay.so.or, [DNS_Address] Subject: Re: bike lighting protets cyclists w/ring of red light
some of the bike lanes in the nearby city are stupid too.....and not lighted and dark....our berg put in bike lanes and ...guess where the 'independents' here ride?.....sure on in the lanes, but anywhere they want...an not looking out for cars that aren't expecting them...had that happen twice, shook me up as I don't try to run over them...
my bro, who used to ride motorcycles also said people tried to run over him....
and I gotta say, cars,trucks, too many peope who are just nuts, had one tonight going to town....I backed way away because he was driving so careless I didn't want to be behind him if he caused a crash...
Date: June 14, 2017 at 22:18:16 From: Skywise, [DNS_Address] Subject: Re: bike lighting protets cyclists w/ring of red light
I've ridden motorcycle for 30 years (although not the last few years as my bike needs work - $$$). I would much rather ride my motorcycle than the bicycle. My personal experience indicates it's much safer. But yes, I've had a few experiences on there as well, just nothing like on the pedal bike.
None of the roads I cycle regularly happen to have marked bike lanes. But the few I have I found to be too narrow. The drivers seem to think that since the bike is in a bike lane and the car is in a car lane, there's no reason to make sure there's sufficient clearance.* They don't even try to move a little to the left. At least when there is no bike lane at all, by riding in the middle of the lane, I can force 95% of drivers to just change lanes and give me plenty of room.
And yes, in California, if it is not safe for the bicyclist to stay far to the right, such as when the lane is too narrow for both a car and bicycle side-by-side, the cyclist can ride anywhere in the lane they want. I have found from experiment and experience that it is best to completely block the lane by riding the left wheel track. Trying to stay right on a narrow lane just encourages drivers to try to squeeze by - unsafely. (and yes, I've had one or two idiots actually pass me on the right when doing this)
*CA vehicle code 21760 "Three Feet for Safety Act" requires vehicles to pass bicycles at a safe speed and with a minimum of three feet of clearance.
(speaking of vehicle codes, it seems I am far more knowledgeable about those laws involving bicycles than law enforcement, hence my ire towards the police in this regard)
Brian
P.S. I never really stopped visiting EB. Just decided there wasn't a good reason to post any more. Present thread is an exception.