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Indicators on Bicycle

  • 08-01-2019 3:23pm
    #1
    Squall Leonhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭


    I'm (very!) new to the cycling game, having only recently braved my first cycle to work.

    It's in Limerick and it's busy but not too bad, most of my 11km route has wide roads, few parts are sketchy enough but overall not bad.

    I was wondering if something like these are ridiculous/likely to be missed or ignored, or are they a good idea to improve visibility on turning etc?

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/WingLights-Fixed-Black-New-Version/dp/B076CQ7VTN/ref=dp_ob_title_sports


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Tenzor07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,998 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    What's wrong with your arms?


  • #3
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Another poster has a good solution where he attached lights to his gloves to make hand signals more visible.


  • #4
    TheBoyConor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭TheBoyConor


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    What's wrong with your arms?

    You've to take one off the bars and steer and keep youself stable with just one arm while signalling. If you hit a bump or your other hand slips you will fall.


  • #5
    Squall Leonhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭Squall Leonhart


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    What's wrong with your arms?

    Nothing... and I use them...
    But it's January. It's dark at 7am and it's dark at 6pm.


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    You've to take one off the bars and steer and keep youself stable with just one arm while signalling. If you hit a bump or your other hand slips you will fall.

    It's something that improves with practice.


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  • #7
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,137 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Reflective wristband.


  • #8
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    You've to take one off the bars and steer and keep youself stable with just one arm while signalling. If you hit a bump or your other hand slips you will fall.

    The same will happen regardless if your that unsteady.


  • #9
    JMcL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,271 ✭✭✭JMcL


    They'd probably just be confusing if they're noticed at all. Find a quiet carpark or somesuch to practice in and get comfortable with using hand signals


  • #10
    Grassey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,393 ✭✭✭Grassey


    Galibier have reflective winter gloves - handy I find for signalling in the dark commuting times.

    I'd be worried that the light is so small it will go unnoticed as drivers wont expect to see it as it's non standard

    Sure you could get this instead - a jacket that uses your back as an indicator (that likely also will go unnoticed)

    NOOR-America-jacket1.jpg


  • #11
    oLoonatic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 373 ✭✭oLoonatic


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Another poster has a good solution where he attached lights to his gloves to make hand signals more visible.

    I had thought of doing this, I'm cycling about 30km round trip to work. I use my arm but people still have a habit of trying to over/under take me when i am signalling to turn (pretty much pretending i dont exist as to not inconvenience them). I wonder would that make a difference.


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  • #12
    punisher5112
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,644 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    I love those jackets that near light up with vehicle lights shining on them, only issue is the amount of numpties going around with their 5 watt side lights on where a candle would be brighter.

    Get the reflective arm bands with flashing red lights and make sure to have at least one really good lights front and back.

    Stand out from the the rest.


  • #13
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    oLoonatic wrote: »
    I had thought of doing this, I'm cycling about 30km round trip to work. I use my arm but people still have a habit of trying to over/under take me when i am signalling to turn (pretty much pretending i dont exist as to not inconvenience them). I wonder would that make a difference.

    It wont. The problem is them not you.


    252A0A5600000578-0-image-a-41_1422538126309.jpg

    There are jackets with indicators if you want. Bar ends arent the best place IMO as they're obstructed hugely by you, your bike, your bag etc.


  • #14
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    oLoonatic wrote: »
    I had thought of doing this, I'm cycling about 30km round trip to work. I use my arm but people still have a habit of trying to over/under take me when i am signalling to turn (pretty much pretending i dont exist as to not inconvenience them). I wonder would that make a difference.

    I have indicated in good time and with more than enough time to pull out with drivers seeing me and then speeding up to cut me off intentionally. Hate to say it but Id have been better off not indicating at all.

    The long and short of it is, they may help you get more seen on a dark night but they won't stop d1cks being d1cks. Indicating grants you no right of way but it doesn't stop people being d1cks either.

    Indicate before a turn, look around and check over your shoulder. If it is safe to go, do it, if its not, hold back, simples.

    A light on your wrist may increase your confidence, it might alert someone who is simple and didn't cop from your arm or road position but don't ever presume it will make anyone give way.

    i


  • #15
    oLoonatic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 373 ✭✭oLoonatic


    CramCycle wrote: »
    I have indicated in good time and with more than enough time to pull out with drivers seeing me and then speeding up to cut me off intentionally. Hate to say it but Id have been better off not indicating at all.

    The long and short of it is, they may help you get more seen on a dark night but they won't stop d1cks being d1cks. Indicating grants you no right of way but it doesn't stop people being d1cks either.

    Indicate before a turn, look around and check over your shoulder. If it is safe to go, do it, if its not, hold back, simples.

    A light on your wrist may increase your confidence, it might alert someone who is simple and didn't cop from your arm or road position but don't ever presume it will make anyone give way.

    i

    Thats a fair point alright. Very frustrating though. I used to drive alot for work from bikes to extra large vans and know all too well how vulnerable cyclists are. In particular around the city centre. On reflection maybe i'm mad to commute by bicycle now, But for health and financial reasons its fantastic.


  • #16
    mgadget
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166 ✭✭mgadget


    https://lumoshelmet.co

    More Visible than bar end lights and you can use it on any bike.
    [Y


  • #17
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    oLoonatic wrote: »
    Thats a fair point alright. Very frustrating though. I used to drive alot for work from bikes to extra large vans and know all too well how vulnerable cyclists are. In particular around the city centre. On reflection maybe i'm mad to commute by bicycle now, But for health and financial reasons its fantastic.

    Your not mad at all, despite all this, the long term benefits to your health far outweigh the perceived risks, which are not all that likely to happen.

    I couldn't go back to driving or even PT, I just couldn't hack that rubbish day in day out.


  • #18
    Squall Leonhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭Squall Leonhart


    oLoonatic wrote: »
    for health and financial reasons its fantastic.

    This is my motivation behind it!
    I'm going to work anyway.. I badly needed some exercise.. why not combine both. And saving petrol money is a big plus.


  • #19
    Effects
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    You've to take one off the bars and steer and keep youself stable with just one arm while signalling. If you hit a bump or your other hand slips you will fall.

    I usually indicate while I'm still moving straight ahead, then put my hands back on the handlebars for when I start the turn.


  • #20
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,167 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    one issue with those lights is that i suspect that theoretically if a garda saw you using one, you could then be done for not indicating correctly before making a turn (though i have to actually confirm if the law states a cyclist must indicate with a hand signal).


  • #21
    benneca1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 489 ✭✭benneca1


    There are rucksacks with inbuilt indicators and remote switch Santa brought me one a few years ago


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  • #22
    oLoonatic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 373 ✭✭oLoonatic


    Squall Leonhart wrote: »
    This is my motivation behind it!
    I'm going to work anyway.. I badly needed some exercise.. why not combine both. And saving petrol money is a big plus.

    Within a month and a half I had lost a stone. I knocked 15 minutes off my commute time since i started on an old heavy mountain bike not built to withstand the hills of the phoenix park and chapelizod. Am looking forward to getting a proper road bike and seeing the difference it makes.

    I do not miss the car at all, In saying that i dont mind getting wet and too stubborn to look back now.


  • #23
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,937 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    Effects wrote: »
    I usually indicate while I'm still moving straight ahead, then put my hands back on the handlebars for when I start the turn.

    Yeah, if you are indicating as you start to turn, it's too late. Is as frustrating as when cars do it.


  • #24
    average_runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Lumen wrote: »
    Reflective wristband.

    Will only allow cars to see them and not people crossing at a junction.


    Anyhow going by what i see everyday on the roads, most cyclists don't signal, the same way drivers don't used indicators.


  • #25
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,137 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    average_runner wrote: »
    Will only allow cars to see them and not people crossing at a junction.
    Well OK, but pedestrians won't be looking for an indicating cyclist anyway.

    I can't say I've ever needed to use anything but an unlit, non-reflective arm.


  • #26
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Saw a fella with them on his helmet recently they were controlled via a little device on the bars. Initially I thought hey isn't that cool but then as I rode on and lost him at the next set of lights, and he made it through I realised it was useless as I couldn't tell which direction he was turning at a distance. Mind you a flashing light and extended arm might catch the attention vs arm alone.

    Agree with Average runner re: lack of signalling , and don't get me started on roundabouts.


  • #27
    Weepsie
    Site Banned Posts: 20,686 ✭✭✭✭Weepsie


    Planet X are selling the Magicshine helmet with indicators. Looks brighter than the Lumos one, but also looks silly.

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HEMSMJ898/magicshine-mj898-helmet

    That said, don't think it will make a huge difference. Indicated plenty of times in broad daylight, and people "don't see you"


  • #28
    average_runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Lumen wrote: »
    Well OK, but pedestrians won't be looking for an indicating cyclist anyway.

    I can't say I've ever needed to use anything but an unlit, non-reflective arm.

    In fairness I would always look before I cross a junction and it really pisses me off when a cyclist/car turns without signalling.


  • #29
    Tell me how
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,937 ✭✭✭✭Tell me how


    average_runner wrote: »
    In fairness I would always look before I cross a junction and it really pisses me off when a cyclist/car turns without signalling.

    Everyone is p*ssed off at others not obeying the rules of the road.

    Pedestrians dislike cyclists not indicating
    Cyclists dislike motorists for not leaving enough room or not indicating
    Motorists dislike cyclists for weaving in and out of traffic.
    Cyclists and motorists dislike pedestrians for jaywalking.
    Pedestrians dislike motorists for not obeying lights and pedestrian crossings.

    There is fault on all sides and it p*sses off people on all sides.


  • #30
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,009 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    You've to take one off the bars and steer and keep youself stable with just one arm while signalling. If you hit a bump or your other hand slips you will fall.
    How did you manage when we had down tube shifters?


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  • #31
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,803 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    I might be the poster with wrist lights mentioned earlier. I used sweatbands rather than gloves though. They're very cheap to make; the only expensive bit is the light, and Aldi do pretty good value COB lights now, which I think are knock-offs of Moon Crescents. I used Moon Crescents, which are plenty bright, even on the lowest setting, and nice and small and light, and come with a belt-clip as standard, which is what I used to attach them to the wristbands.


    369839.JPG

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=99673160&postcount=53
    How to make them (a hair tie or small elastic might be needed as the elastic in the wristbands age to stop them rotating on your wrist):
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=81976804&postcount=40


  • #32
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,803 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    I find them useful anyway. Everyone else is getting by just fine without them though!


  • #33
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    White facing rear?

    tenor.gif


  • #34
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,803 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    I used to use yellow, but they seem to have discontinued those, so it's a choice between white and red, and they're facing front and to the side most of the time, as they're on the handlebars most of the time.

    You're the second person to point that out this week, by a strange coincidence. And, like, ever, too.


  • #35
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,009 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    tomasrojo wrote: »
    ....Everyone else is getting by just fine without them though!
    Yes, they seem to be a solution for a problem which doesn't exist.


  • #36
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,137 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Wishbone Ash wrote: »
    Yes, they seem to be a solution for a problem which doesn't exist.

    There is a problem with lack of fixed indicators though. You cannot choose which brake to use whilst slowing for a turn.

    I don't think it's important enough to fit indicators, but it is nonetheless a problem, particularly downhill in the wet.


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  • #37
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,009 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    Lumen wrote: »
    There is a problem with lack of fixed indicators though. You cannot choose which brake to use whilst slowing for a turn....
    Indeed but I suppose I'll prioritise indicating right over left and I can still use my rear brake with my arm raised when turning right. On a very steep descent I'd probably take a glance back first and not indicate if I need to keep both hands on the bars/brakes or, if there is something behind, take up position early, indicate early and then return both hands to the bars prior to turning.


  • #38
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    magicbastarder wrote: »
    one issue with those lights is that i suspect that theoretically if a garda saw you using one, you could then be done for not indicating correctly before making a turn (though i have to actually confirm if the law states a cyclist must indicate with a hand signal).

    Road position is also to be taken as an indication, not sure if it was covered in the road law thread but that was my understanding and at the back of my mind, i think it is in law but could be wrong.

    For example, if on the left hand side of a roadway, it should be taken as a presumption that you are turning left or going straight on. If in the middle of the roadway, it should be taken that you could be goign left, straight on or right. Finally, I think some of you will guess, if to the right of the roadway, it should be taken as a sign you are going right or straight on.

    In practice, this should make little difference to other road users.

    i was once given out to at a junction for not indicating. I was in the right hand turn lane, and turning right surprisingly. I had indicated into the lane and continued indicating until stopped (traffic lights). The car went ballistic and actually pulled in and jumped out to give out to me for not indicating. Now regardless of whether I was or was not in the wrong (which I don't think I was, how and ever). If a driver behind me is confused about where I, a cyclist, maybe going, as I sit at the top of a right hand turn only lane, then there is simply sweet f*** all hope for some people.


  • #39
    average_runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Tell me how wrote: »
    Everyone is p*ssed off at others not obeying the rules of the road.

    Pedestrians dislike cyclists not indicating
    Cyclists dislike motorists for not leaving enough room or not indicating
    Motorists dislike cyclists for weaving in and out of traffic.
    Cyclists and motorists dislike pedestrians for jaywalking.
    Pedestrians dislike motorists for not obeying lights and pedestrian crossings.

    There is fault on all sides and it p*sses off people on all sides.

    Totally agree, if we all just did the basics the road would be a better place!!


  • #40
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,137 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Wishbone Ash wrote: »
    Indeed but I suppose I'll prioritise indicating right over left and I can still use my rear brake with my arm raised when turning right. On a very steep descent I'd probably take a glance back first and not indicate if I need to keep both hands on the bars/brakes or, if there is something behind, take up position early, indicate early and then return both hands to the bars prior to turning.

    Right, but it's not ideal. A good example of this is the following turn off the road down to Kilmac.

    https://goo.gl/maps/Az3bdjNZxZ52

    It's a fast descent to a very slow turn.

    As I said, it's not a problem I care enough to attempt to fix, but if bicycles had power and wiring looms they'd have indicators just like motorcycles do.


  • #41
    Effects
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    Wishbone Ash wrote: »
    How did you manage when we had down tube shifters?

    Don't change gear while turning a corner perhaps?


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  • #42
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    This is all very academic surely. If your turning you should have slowed enough to make the turn, well in advance, meaning you can then continue to indicate and use either front or rear brakes if needed.

    We appear to be looking for a problem that doesn't exist.


  • #43
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,009 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    Lumen wrote: »
    Right, but it's not ideal. A good example of this is the following turn off the road down to Kilmac.

    https://goo.gl/maps/Az3bdjNZxZ52

    It's a fast descent to a very slow turn.

    As I said, it's not a problem I care enough to attempt to fix, but if bicycles had power and wiring looms they'd have indicators just like motorcycles do.
    Yes, it's a fast one alright. I think I'd just take up a position near the center early and hope to get the message across.

    I'd be skeptical about small indicators on a bike as I don't think most motorist would see them or be expecting them especially in daylight. I'd prefer my arm or road position.


  • #44
    cdaly_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    Lumen wrote: »
    if bicycles had power and wiring looms they'd have indicators just like motorcycles do.

    Mine does but hasn't. Has a brake light though...


  • #45
    Effects
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    CramCycle wrote: »
    This is all very academic surely. If you're turning you should have slowed enough to make the turn, well in advance, meaning you can then continue to indicate and use either front or rear brakes if needed.

    A lot of roads in Dublin are in a bad condition. I'd rather not be taking turns with one hand on the handle bars, or slowing to a crawl either.
    Continuing to signal your turn, while taking the turn is pointless and unnecessary.


  • #46
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Effects wrote: »
    A lot of roads in Dublin are in a bad condition. I'd rather not be taking turns with one hand on the handle bars, or slowing to a crawl either.
    Continuing to signal your turn, while taking the turn is pointless and unnecessary.

    No need to signal as your turning, do what motorists never do anymore and signal before the turn. I always have my hands on the bars mid turn. If they don't know where your going then, they never will and indicating would be pointless. Indicate before the turn, move into position and make the turn. The bit about slowing down was for Lumens example of a sharp turn on a descent.


  • #47
    bilbot79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,043 ✭✭✭bilbot79


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    What's wrong with your arms?

    You have to concede some control while engaging the manoeuvre.

    Imagine driving your car and rolling down the window to indicate while you turn


  • #48
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    bilbot79 wrote: »
    You have to concede some control while engaging the manoeuvre.

    Imagine driving your car and rolling down the window to indicate while you turn

    Perfectly legitimate way to indicate in a car, and one that you are expected to know for your driving test.


  • #49
    bilbot79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,043 ✭✭✭bilbot79


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Perfectly legitimate way to indicate in a car, and one that you are expected to know for your driving test.

    But not one that you are expected to do on a normal basis.

    Plus, it's dangerous for the cyclist to have to take their hand off the bike. They are very vulnerable.


  • #50
    Effects
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,760 ✭✭✭Effects


    CramCycle wrote: »
    No need to signal as your turning, do what motorists never do anymore and signal before the turn. I always have my hands on the bars mid turn. If they don't know where your going then, they never will and indicating would be pointless

    Sorry, your posts suggested to me that you would continue to indicate while taking the turn. No worries.


  • #51
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,160 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    bilbot79 wrote: »
    But not one that you are expected to do on a normal basis.
    One your expected to know all of the time though. Not difficult or dangerous either.
    Plus, it's dangerous for the cyclist to have to take their hand off the bike. They are very vulnerable.
    Its not very dangerous at all but it is dangerous not to indicate in certain situations. Road position as always will make it clear if you have the confidence, but if you are confident using road position as an indicator, you are most likely confident to take one hand off the handlebar.


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