All bike wheel lights may operate in either a constant or flashing mode. Is one more noticeable on the roadway than another? Can flashing lights endanger other motorists? Is it even allowed to use flashing lights? All your questions are answered below.
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Illuminating Unlit Or After-Dark Pathways
Bike lights are required by law for readability and illuminating unlit routes or routes after dark. A recent regulation change mandating lighting for time trials has also heightened interest in the lighting used for Bike wheel lights. Flashing lights can endanger other road users when compared to constant lights.
Current bike wheel light legislation compels riders to use front and rear lights on open streets between dusk and daybreak. There are minimum output requirements for them, and they can be either constant or flashing.
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Be Careful About The Frequency Of Bike Wheel Lights
A 2005 Amendment to the Road Transport Lighting Rules makes it acceptable to use light flashes on a bicycle as Bike Wheel lights. If you prefer to employ flashing lights, the laws say they must blink at a frequency of 1-4hz or between one 4 flashes per second.
Flashing lights are designated for emergency services only in some areas, giving other people on the road a clear indication of an emergency. While riders may not have an option in some places, they use both flashing and constant illumination.
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Personal Choices Of Flashy Lights Can Affect Detect Distance
Top University conducted a study in 2017 that examined the appearance of flashing and constant bike wheel lights. Researchers investigated how light choice affects detection distance using a long, narrow road and a curving route.
The flashing light was considerably superior on straight roads, allowing identification of the cyclist from 3 times the range of the constant light.
Furthermore, survey participants stated that the constant light seemed to be a bicycle from a distance. Still, the flashing light allowed them to recognize the road user as a bicyclist sooner.
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Possibility To Exploit The Detection From A Larger Distance
Bike lights might make anyone stand out in a crowd of lights. Detection earlier with a flashing light makes logical studies show that our eyes effectively spot moving or changing stimuli. We may exploit this to be seen from a larger distance when riding.
Experts in assessing human factors in crash analysis shared their experience of studying & comparing steady and flashing lights. They share thoughts that are difficult to interpret because there are so many factors related like day/night, front/side/back view, etc. Constant or flashing bike wheel lights make no difference in rural regions but create a difference in metropolitan locations.
The Bottom Line
The decision is still divided on whether flashing or constant bike wheel lights are safer to use – a flashing light might alter depth perception, while a steady light can easily be missed in a sea of other stimulating lights. The safest option is to run both the lights. Choose your suitable bike wheel lights & they also make up for the best gift for boys & appropriate Easter stocking stuffer.
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