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Cyclists mega-thread (WARNING: Before posting you must read post #1)

madra dubh

Moderator warning and notes:

Reminder to all: The Commuting and Transport charter applies -- it is stricter than many forums. You must read it before posting on this or other threads.

And remember, this is a thread on the Commuting and Transport board, so talk about how transport modes compare is relevant and attempts to state otherwise and/or tell people what they can't or can talk about will be viewed as back seat modding.

There's been a few of these threads recently, so this is likely going to become the official give out about cyclists megathread (I'll come up with a better title before renaming the thread).

These will be to contain such discussion away from other threads and bring them off topic and to stop new threads of the same vain from always happening.

This thread will be different than normal thread and arguments should not be repeated unless you have something new to add -- at some point soon in the future a FAQ type first post will deal the repeated arguments and outline both sides of arguments like "road tax" etc.

Normal rules in the charter apply, including not replying to this mod warning.

- moderator

Original opening post follows:

Why do we tolerate them on our roads. I have been a cyclist, motorcyclist, car driver, van driver & minibus driver and by far the worst are cyclists. Colour blind (don't recognise traffic lights). They moan continually about other road users not being considerate yet a large amount make no effort to keep themselves seen and safe. Pay no road tax yet are allocated cycle lanes. Need no insurance yet can cause damage (ever tried to claim off one that is at fault). Motorcyclists tend to get a bad rap mainly due to speed but I have found them to be the best on the road for consideration and road awareness.
There can of worms opened.

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Corca Baiscinn

Dublin Cycling Campaign members have been distributing lights along with flyers for the upcoming lunchtime protest on Wednesday next re #allocate4cycling. They have been at junctions within the canal cordon though afaik no no help to OP who mentioned driving in South Dublin. Maybe everyone else is sorted though and there will be a light all round!

magicbastarder

that 'they should be mandatory' argument always makes me uneasy. mandatory at point of sale, or mandatory for cyclists to use?

ted1

First Up wrote: »

Not a lot; that's pretty good. As a motorist I'd comment that the flashing/intermittent lights are the easiest to see.

They are banned in some me countries as studies have shown that flashing lights have a hypnotism affect on drunk and tired drivers and puts the cyclist at a greater risk of being hit

magicbastarder

just thinking out loud regarding lights, etc.; would it be massively unenforceable/unwieldy that the BTW scheme must include a provision that the price must include lights unless the buyer can prove they already have lights in their possession?

Sam Russell

magicbastarder wrote: »

that 'they should be mandatory' argument always makes me uneasy. mandatory at point of sale, or mandatory for cyclists to use?

Mandatory at the point of manufacture. An CE stamp should mean they have a reflective strip. It would not affect the cost much, particularly if they all had to have the strip.

The strip only can be seen from the side - but remember, cycle lights do not shine to the side much, only front and rear (if fitted). This is important at junctions.

[Obviously CE regulations would need to be adjusted for this].

First Up

ted1 wrote:

They are banned in some me countries as studies have shown that flashing lights have a hypnotism affect on drunk and tired drivers and puts the cyclist at a greater risk of being hit

Fair enough. Just my personal observation.

plodder

magicbastarder wrote: »

just thinking out loud regarding lights, etc.; would it be massively unenforceable/unwieldy that the BTW scheme must include a provision that the price must include lights unless the buyer can prove they already have lights in their possession?

That's a good idea, although I'd say in most cases BTW purchases would include lights already as people tend to include the kitchen sink and pretty much anything bike related with it.

Roadhawk

If you blinked you would miss this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tm0pALuuls

No lights but at least his grey track suit gives him some slight visibility: (also jumps a red)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlwSpqCrTQ8

Another second and this guys was a gonner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOaZEoR3XEk

Come mate, at least give yourself a chance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29k4HU2byJE

In the fog at night, great comparison between the first cyclist and second:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CbqKVGBVIU

RLJ and no lights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Ub5evyDCY
and another
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klbrTnA9dE
and another(excuse the music)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbGVcyhhXFM

This one is my favorite...its in Dublin City...no cyclists have lights...and the Gardai just drive on by. Typical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPz18qv0T0E

MrMorooka

This thread makes me a bit paranoid. I only cycle Dublin Bikes(don't have my own) and I throw on a reflective RSA vest. Is that enough?

Roadhawk

MrMorooka wrote: »

This thread makes me a bit paranoid. I only cycle Dublin Bikes(don't have my own) and I throw on a reflective RSA vest. Is that enough?

Dont be paranoid, Dublin bikes have lights so at least you'll be seen at night. They actually have a few good safety tips on their website...see link:

http://www.dublinbikes.ie/Safety/Road-Safety-Guidelines/Road-Safety-Guidelines

Hilly Bill

MrMorooka wrote: »

This thread makes me a bit paranoid. I only cycle Dublin Bikes(don't have my own) and I throw on a reflective RSA vest. Is that enough?

It's good enough in my opinion, at least you make the effort.

Professor Moriarty

MrMorooka wrote:

This thread makes me a bit paranoid. I only cycle Dublin Bikes(don't have my own) and I throw on a reflective RSA vest. Is that enough?

Well, it's illegal to have no lights. But give it a go. If you are killed by a car you'll have your answer.

BeardySi

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Well, it's illegal to have no lights. But give it a go. If you are killed by a car you'll have your answer.

Never actually seen a Dublinbike then? The lights are built in and always on...

Professor Moriarty

Treadhead wrote: »

Never actually seen a Dublinbike then? The lights are built in and always on...

Thank God. I'll sleep well tonight.

BeardySi

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Thank God. I'll sleep well tonight.

Glad to be of help.

buffalo

Sam Russell wrote: »

2: The constant on is the legal one (the law predates LED lights).

Minor correction: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055772319

Sam Russell

buffalo wrote: »

Minor correction: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055772319

Thank you for the correction.

I believe that came about as a result of the Gardai being given bikes and stopping other bikes for having flashing lights, and then agreeing with the cyclists that flashing lights were more visible.

Anyway, I have both. I also have reflectors on the pedals.

Roadhawk

The bottom line is that more enforcement is needed. Until then its a free for all...

Roadhawk

Cycling at night without lights at night is like going into the desert without water...your chances of survival are dramatically decreased.

Saw this today on a bumper sticker...just had to add it

RobertFoster

That's some spiel, did it cover the whole bumper?

LeinsterDub

Roadhawk wrote: »

Cycling at night without lights at night is like going into the desert with 5ml less water...your chances of survival are moderately decreased.

Fixed a minor typo

Roadhawk

RobertFoster wrote: »

That's some spiel, did it cover the whole bumper?

No it was about a foot long with two lines of text.

Roadhawk

LeinsterDub wrote: »

Fixed a minor typo

haha thats the spirit.

Typical attitude.

zulutango

It seems that even if you have lights, then it's no protection from the scourge of motorists. I was nearly killed the other night even though I'd lights front and rear and also a headlamp. Thankfully the driver saw me at the last second and skidded to a halt in time.

Roadhawk

zulutango wrote: »

It seems that even if you have lights, then it's no protection from the scourge of motorists. I was nearly killed the other night even though I'd lights front and rear and also a headlamp. Thankfully the driver saw me at the last second and skidded to a halt in time.

Imagine you had no lights...looks like they work in keeping you safe.

Sam Russell

Roadhawk wrote: »

Imagine you had no lights...looks like they work in keeping you safe.

You are not safe if you are nearly killed. You are safe if you are not in danger.

LeinsterDub

Roadhawk wrote: »

haha thats the spirit.

Typical attitude.

You equated an action which depending on the circumstances would lead to certain death to an action which has a very low change of contributing to injury or death

Carawaystick

Professor Moriarty wrote: »

Yes there is. Dark night, rain, dark clothes, no lights. If I don't see them, it's not my fault, I don't have to make an excuse. They are not visible.

If a cyclist wants to be seen, use a light front and back. It's not rocket science FFS.

Cars have lights, to light up the road ahead of them. If a driver can't see what's ahead, they should not be driving that car.

lucernarian

Carawaystick wrote: »

Cars have lights, to light up the road ahead of them. If a driver can't see what's ahead, they should not be driving that car.

I'd regularly agree with you but that is a silly point if it's about the topic of this thread. The exact same thing could be (and legally is) said about anyone cycling.

Bikes should have lights full stop, but because of the daylight hours loophole, bike sellers can wash their hands of it with pointless reflectors and add overpriced lights if someone is concerned enough to add them to their kids' bikes.

Tenzor07

Wow, almost 200 posts on "Cyclists with no lights"...

Should have been 2 or 3 posts!

Get's dark out: Switch on bicycle lights...Case closed!

Otherwise this is just another Motorist Vs. Cyclist thread!