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Cyclist going over board with lighting

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2

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    #32
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 1,427 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Chris_Heilong wrote: »
    Cyclists should be banned from cycling at night, if you dont have a car then use public transport, being on the road is a danger to themselves and others.

    B7c2v.jpg


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    #33
    MugMugs
    Registered Users Posts: 17,875 ✭✭✭✭MugMugs


    Chris_Heilong wrote: »
    Cyclists should be banned from cycling at night, if you dont have a car then use public transport, being on the road is a danger to themselves and others.

    That's the most idiotic statement I've ever read here. Congratulations. :)


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    #34
    MugMugs
    Registered Users Posts: 17,875 ✭✭✭✭MugMugs


    RobAMerc wrote: »
    MugMugs wrote: »
    And they're off!

    ????? Am I being branded a cycling evangelist now ?

    Probably not actually. I drive over 30k miles a year. I cycle the rest for exercise and for the adrenaline kick of which lamp will take me out. Reflectively, you're statement isn't far off the truth. Which is sad :(


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    #35
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,907 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    I was blinded by a cyclist with handlebar mounted lights. They where brighter than the lights on my motorcycle.

    I think what the problem is is that the lights have no dip ability, the cyclist needs to see on dark roads but should show consideration to other road users and switch the powerful lights off or aim them lower when meeting traffic.


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    #36
    gk5000
    Registered Users Posts: 850 ✭✭✭gk5000


    Yes was blinded (and shocked/surprised) by a cyclist on the Oldcourt/Killakee road yesterday evening.

    Does anyone post in the cycling forums, to alert to the fact that this is dangerous, similar to not dipping car lights - or even those ejjits who shine led's at pilots.

    And I guess they could/should be done for something like ..inconsideration to other road users.


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    #37
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    Cookie_Monster wrote: »
    Just like fog lights...

    Oh no she didn't!!! :D


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    #38
    galwaycyclist
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,913 ✭✭✭galwaycyclist


    On the original topic some head torches can be very blinding and if worn at a "useful" angle by a cyclist it would be very hard to avoid pointing in an oncoming motorists eyes if you were looking around normally.

    gbee wrote: »
    Over safety often has a negative effect. The blinding light could easily lead to disaster for both parties concerned.

    A blinded motorist tends to panic and drive towards the light ~ it's a factor in head-on night-time collisions. One will remember how hard it was to steer to one's own side of the road when learning to drive at night.

    Too much reflective gear is also not good in total darkness, full body light clothing is effective an reassuring to the driver, A few reflective strips alone can look like road signage and be ignored by drivers.

    The same issue applies with cyclists. A blinded cyclist will instinctively move further out from the edge of the road.

    THIS is one of the most powerful arguments against a focus on telling cyclists to use hi viz/retroreflective clothing rather than just getting them to use legal lights.

    The problem with hi viz/retroreflective clothing is that it can make motorists reluctant to dip their headlights - the reflective object "disappears". People who wear hi viz/retroreflective clothing rather than use lights may make themselves more vulnerable to blinding.


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    #39
    projectgtr
    Registered Users Posts: 2,461 ✭✭✭projectgtr


    Right so the lads lights were angled wrong, like about 90% of cars on the road right now :mad:, what did you do after the incident? if it was me i would have stopped and let the cyclist know that his lights are blinding, how the hell else is he supposed to know?? this is coming from someone who loves cars but also spends alot of time on the roads on my bike


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    #40
    projectgtr
    Registered Users Posts: 2,461 ✭✭✭projectgtr


    Chris_Heilong wrote: »
    Cyclists should be banned from cycling at night, if you dont have a car then use public transport, being on the road is a danger to themselves and others.

    please tell me your a troll, with a stupid comment like that i hope you are.


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    #41
    L-M
    Registered Users Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    projectgtr wrote: »
    Right so the lads lights were angled wrong, like about 90% of cars on the road right now :mad:, what did you do after the incident? if it was me i would have stopped and let the cyclist know that his lights are blinding, how the hell else is he supposed to know?? this is coming from someone who loves cars but also spends alot of time on the roads on my bike

    Happened so quick I didn't have time to think about stopping. Wasn't the best point in the road to be stopping either!


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    #42
    glic71rods46t0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭glic71rods46t0


    There seems to be a lot of cyclists who are also motorists/motorists who are also cyclists.
    We need more legislation to force cyclists to behave with due consideration to other road users. Personally I would like a new regime where cyclists who have drivers licence would have penalty points applied to their motoring licence when being selfish inconsiderate road users. Younger cyclists would have their acculated points applied when they apply for their first licence. It would result in a complete change of behaviour by cyclists.
    Their rights on teh road would be matched with responsibilities!


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    #43
    L-M
    Registered Users Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    t3kcan527jmfwy wrote: »
    There seems to be a lot of cyclists who are also motorists/motorists who are also cyclists.
    We need more legislation to force cyclists to behave with due consideration to other road users. Personally I would like a new regime where cyclists who have drivers licence would have penalty points applied to their motoring licence when being selfish inconsiderate road users. Younger cyclists would have their acculated points applied when they apply for their first licence. It would result in a complete change of behaviour by cyclists.
    Their rights on teh road would be matched with responsibilities!

    Could say the same for horse + sulky.


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    #44
    redzerologhlen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭redzerologhlen


    t3kcan527jmfwy wrote: »
    There seems to be a lot of cyclists who are also motorists/motorists who are also cyclists.
    We need more legislation to force cyclists to behave with due consideration to other road users. Personally I would like a new regime where cyclists who have drivers licence would have penalty points applied to their motoring licence when being selfish inconsiderate road users. Younger cyclists would have their acculated points applied when they apply for their first licence. It would result in a complete change of behaviour by cyclists.
    Their rights on teh road would be matched with responsibilities!

    It would never work though and is a bit unrealistic. I dont think penalty points would solve anything. Any cyclist heading out in the dark doesnt do it to endanger themselves and would like to be as careful as possible. A bit more awareness is whats needed I think, Blinding oncoming traffic is just as dangerous as having no light for the cyclist. If they knew they were doing it I am sure 99% of cyclists would adjust their lamps. I would be more in favour of a fine for pedestrians walking along unlit roads with no visibilty vest/jacket/armband at night because speaking from personal experience I have been left shaking more than once after coming along a country road to meet someone walking against me and not see them until the last second and then have to take evasive action. Realistically that will probably never happen either though. Havnt had any close calls with cyclists really but I can see where ye are coming from with it, Have a led flash light and you would be dazzled for a few seconds if you shone it on your eyes. Its of no benefit to the cyclist to dazzle oncoming motorists because in a collision the cyclist is always going to be the worse off.


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    #45
    Mycroft H
    Registered Users Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    I'm pretty sure that cyclist may not display a light further then 5 feet above the road, its in the road traffic act somewhere.

    This would rule out many of the stupidly bright helmet lights designed for trail use if it was actually enforced.

    However, I believe its the lesser of two evils, I'd rather be lit up then go ninja on the roads :D


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    #46
    Hal1
    Registered Users Posts: 8,720 ✭✭✭Hal1


    He probably had his headlight misaligned. :)


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    #47
    challengemaster
    Registered Users Posts: 16,931 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    t3kcan527jmfwy wrote: »
    There seems to be a lot of cyclists who are also motorists/motorists who are also cyclists.
    We need more legislation to force cyclists to behave with due consideration to other road users. Personally I would like a new regime where cyclists who have drivers licence would have penalty points applied to their motoring licence when being selfish inconsiderate road users. Younger cyclists would have their acculated points applied when they apply for their first licence. It would result in a complete change of behaviour by cyclists.
    Their rights on teh road would be matched with responsibilities!

    I'm not sure if it's funny or not that you don't know this, but a bike is classified as a vehicle and is subject to the road traffic act, so any offenses committed on a bike can be applied to a driving license. This would include driving without reasonable consideration for road users.

    http://www.independent.ie/national-news/injured-cyclist-gets-driving-ban-for-breaking-red-light-2228117.html


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    #48
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,907 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    gk5000 wrote: »
    Does anyone post in the cycling forums, to alert to the fact that this is dangerous, similar to not dipping car lights - or even those ejjits who shine led's at pilots.

    And I guess they could/should be done for something like ..inconsideration to other road users.

    Yes


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    #49
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,761 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Del2005 wrote: »

    I think what the problem is is that the lights have no dip ability

    ...actually, the ones I've seen, do have a dip facility.....

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #50
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,907 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...actually, the ones I've seen, do have a dip facility.....

    I only found this out in the Cycling fourm:o


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    #51
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 1,427 ✭ [Deleted User]


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...actually, the ones I've seen, do have a dip facility.....

    Rarely as easy to use as the dip facility in a car though. It would be nice to have a light that had one dedicated switch for changing between high and medium settings when meeting oncoming traffic, rather than having to cycle through high/blinding 1000 lumen tactical strobe/ surprise! now I'm off and you're in the ditch/low/medium/high.

    I suppose you can just angle it down manually but that's a bit of a faff as well.

    Anyhoo I digress. The best solution I've found is to ensure that the light is aimed slightly down and left, like the dipped beam in a car. Helmet mounted lights are great for "dipping" as all you've to do is point your head left a bit. Sounds like the cyclist in the OP wasn't aware how blinding his light was.


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    #52
    Cookie_Monster
    Registered Users Posts: 24,473 ✭✭✭✭Cookie_Monster


    Deleted User wrote: »
    http://i.imgur.com/B7c2v.jpg

    I see your facepalm and raise you this:
    131585348413.Epic_Face_Palm.jpg
    -Chris- wrote: »
    Oh no she didn't!!! :D

    :o (only remembered about that after (and I wasn't discussing them anyway :P;)))


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    #53
    glic71rods46t0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭glic71rods46t0


    challengemaster wrote: »
    I'm not sure if it's funny or not that you don't know this, but a bike is classified as a vehicle and is subject to the road traffic act, so any offenses committed on a bike can be applied to a driving license. This would include driving without reasonable consideration for road users.

    http://www.independent.ie/national-news/injured-cyclist-gets-driving-ban-for-breaking-red-light-2228117.html
    I was aware of this case. My point is that the penalty points system should be extended to offences committed while cycling.
    The case you linked was an extreme one. A crackdown on the regular every day offences of red light jumping, cycling on a footpath, lack of lighting, cycling without due consideration and dagerous cycling etc by allowing cops to dish out points without necessarily "having" to go to court to prosecute would radically improve cycling behaviour!


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    #54
    challengemaster
    Registered Users Posts: 16,931 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    t3kcan527jmfwy wrote: »
    I was aware of this case. My point is that the penalty points system should be extended to offences committed while cycling.
    The case you linked was an extreme one. A crackdown on the regular every day offences of red light jumping, cycling on a footpath, lack of lighting, cycling without due consideration and dagerous cycling etc by allowing cops to dish out points without necessarily "having" to go to court to prosecute would radically improve cycling behaviour!

    I don't think you understood what I said.

    The penalty point system is ALREADY applicable to offenses committed while cycling, as a bicycle is a vehicle under the RTA. All that's required is enforcement.


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    #55
    Plug
    Registered Users Posts: 9,248 ✭✭✭Plug


    challengemaster wrote: »
    I suggest you do a bit of research into high intensity LED's then, you'll find it much easier to believe.
    Agreed. A chap in work has this very small led lensor/snap on LED light and its nearly as a bright as a main beam of a car. Series thing altogether.


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    #56
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    What happens if some doesn't have, and never intends to get, a driver's licence?

    The punishment for someone, who has (or will have) a licence, breaking the lights will be greater than the punishment for someone who doesn't have (and will never have) a licence.

    It wouldn't really be fair imho.


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    #57
    Andrew33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,857 ✭✭✭Andrew33


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Bleeding cyclists


    The rear of the new saab 95 is really distracting at night

    I'd agree, thankfully they're as rare as tits on a boar so not really a problem!


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    #58
    challengemaster
    Registered Users Posts: 16,931 ✭✭✭✭challengemaster


    -Chris- wrote: »
    What happens if some doesn't have, and never intends to get, a driver's licence?

    The punishment for someone, who has (or will have) a licence, breaking the lights will be greater than the punishment for someone who doesn't have (and will never have) a licence.

    It wouldn't really be fair imho.

    Fines are still applicable for all offenses - and if brought to court, I'd imagine the judge would choose to set a higher fine for those without a license for fairness. And any points would be accumulated until such a time where they did get a license.

    It's not really the penalty points that deter people (until you've high multiples that start altering insurance quotes or risk a chance of being banned) - it's having to fork out money.


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    #59
    glic71rods46t0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭glic71rods46t0


    -Chris- wrote: »
    What happens if some doesn't have, and never intends to get, a driver's licence?

    The punishment for someone, who has (or will have) a licence, breaking the lights will be greater than the punishment for someone who doesn't have (and will never have) a licence.

    It wouldn't really be fair imho.
    The point is to improve behaviour on the roads. I would guess that only a small minority have no intention of ever having a drivers licence. My proposal would have a deterrent effect on the majority and would lead to a noticeable improvement in cyclist behaviour - it would become the norm to see them behaving themselves on the road


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    #60
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    t3kcan527jmfwy wrote: »
    The point is to improve behaviour on the roads. I would guess that only a small minority have no intention of ever having a drivers licence. My proposal would have a deterrent effect on the majority and would lead to a noticeable improvement in cyclist behaviour - it would become the norm to see them behaving themselves on the road
    But still, the law can't be seen to be unfair or uneven in it's punishment based on whether you'll have a driving licence or not.
    I'm sure there'd be all sorts of challenges to the "convictions" if it was implemented.


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    #61
    glic71rods46t0
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭glic71rods46t0


    challengemaster wrote: »
    I don't think you understood what I said.

    The penalty point system is ALREADY applicable to offenses committed while cycling, as a bicycle is a vehicle under the RTA. All that's required is enforcement.
    The penalty point system is specific to drivers of motorised vehicles - look them up here: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Licensed-Drivers/Penalty-points/Types-of-offences/


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