http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Those over-bright lights again en Wed, 13 May 2026 08:01:07 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-208396 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 23:02:47 +0000 Arellcat 208396@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>One upgrade we made (in 1997) was to fit the Senso switch box from Shimano</em></p> <p>Back in 1994 I converted my Cateye HL1500 to run off an external battery, overvolting at 7.2V and with a remote switch mounted under my left-hand brake lever. You didn't even get that with posh Vistalites back then. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-208388 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:20:17 +0000 gembo 208388@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I dip my front light so that the Beam is just in front of the wheel but that would not work on the towpath in the dark. It is lighter now in the morning when I come on the towpath using the cut up at Allan park. I don't use it at night.</p> <p>Not every light on the towpath is completely dazzling but they are all much brighter than say ten years ago when being blinded was rare.</p> <p>On the whole the towpath users are mostly a sensible lot with the odd exception. Cutting through George sq then down through the meadows tonight was a lot more random. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-208386 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:03:56 +0000 Greenroofer 208386@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Interesting experience coming along the towpath at Meggetland this evening.</p> <p>Chap coming towards me held his hand over his eyes and complained (perfectly politely) that my light was too bright. Now I have a B&amp;M cyo dynamo light with a very strong beam cut-off mounted on my fork crown. When I go close to a wall or hedge, I can see the bright section of light extends horizontally from the bike about three feet off the ground.</p> <p>I am of the @Dave school of thinking that my light is blameless. I was (to put it mildly) <em>surprised</em> by his complaint. I stopped and said 'really?', and we had a short conversation about it.</p> <p>He did acknowledge that it was very bright (rather than dazzling as such), which was an interesting perspective. We moved on to talk about black-clothed pedestrians and unlit dogs, and then went our separate ways on good terms.</p> <p>So, these dynamo lights aren't completely blameless, but maybe aren't as bad as people think when they see them. I know that when I've passed @Dave on the towpath I've noticed that his light is very bright, but it's not dazzling.</p> <p>Was it you I spoke to? You had the hallmarks of a CCE member (read into that what you will). What was your perspective on my light? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204410 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:54:45 +0000 dougal 204410@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"One upgrade we made (in 1997) was to fit the Senso switch box from Shimano that would switch on our lights going under bridges etc."</p> <p>Mind = Blown </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204409 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:50:18 +0000 LaidBack 204409@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I reckon that these lights on a customers bike should light the road and not stun/dazzle all oncomers.<br /> <a href="https://flic.kr/p/A1S4Hy"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/734/22325898214_b8167c79d3.jpg"></a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/A1S4Hy">Nazca Gaucho 28 / SON with B+M Luxos and Line Brake</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66067108@N08/">LaidBackBikes</a>, on Flickr<br /> The rear is the B+M Line Brake which gets brighter as you slow down. Think a few forumers have these.<br /> I was an early <strike>sucker</strike> convert to dynamo lighting and ran halogen front lights for years on the school run tandem. (Amba helped sort out tech stuff for me back then - a contact made via the Bicycle Works).<br /> One upgrade we made (in 1997) was to fit the Senso switch box from Shimano that would switch on our lights going under bridges etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204406 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:20:58 +0000 wingpig 204406@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@threefromleith I was going home the quick road way early yesterday afternoon so it wouldn't have been me but that's very similar to what I say to face-illuminators.</p> <p>Someone going east along Duke's Walk on Wednesday had a rapidly-stuttering blinky which I was pleased to be able to get ahead of. Not as piercingly bright as a Light &amp; Motion like Insto had but upward-pointed enough to swamp other things in your field of view. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204352 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:30:21 +0000 Greenroofer 204352@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I caught up with a guy at Gray's Loan/Myreside Road lights this evening whose rear light was very bright angled in such a way that it was painful to be behind him. I followed him at a distance along Myreside Road and was trying to stay patiently behind him up Craighouse hill, but realised that I just couldn't see anything other than red, and I was going to have an accident. I had to overtake (easier said than done on that hill) just to get away from the searing red light. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204343 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:38:13 +0000 Bigjack 204343@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>These things happen threefromleith. I suppose it's the downside of lights having to be clamped onto handlebars as an aftertought. It's an all too common problem unfortunately with lights either ending up poiting up at the stars or down to the earth's core.<br /> I'm a strong advocate of dynamo lights which are generally more securely fixed/bolted on and therefore an integral part of the bike rather than an afterthought, always assuming that they are fitted correctly in the first place of course. It's also partly that the lights aren't loaded up with the extra weight of batteries as is the case for single unit lights without separate battery packs. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204339 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 20:40:31 +0000 threefromleith 204339@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Apologies if it was you I blinded on the NEPN tonight around Ravelston, causing you to yell "Your light's WAY too bright, mate!". I hadn't notice that the huge gust I'd been hit with shortly beforehand had actually blown my not-terribly-tightly-attached Magicshine clone upwards at an angle of about 45 degrees.</p> <p>Sorry :-( </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204124 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 11:06:14 +0000 dougal 204124@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been quite impressed with the light pool of the Cateye Volt 200 that I bought recently. There's a spot in the distance and a pool directly underneath the light, so you can see the ground a few metres ahead and what's directly underneath your front wheel at the same time.</p> <p>A previous Volt that was eventually stolen didn't have such a sophisticated direction for the light. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204110 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 00:18:26 +0000 chrisfl 204110@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been trying to work through this in my head. I think the biggest problems are cases where you can't see a pool of light on the ground. I know if I can't then the lights are probably going to be pointed straight at me.</p> <p>Agree, strobing on the canal is just plain rude. </p> <p>I do also worry that my lights are too bright, but generally try and point the brighter light to the side as I pass people. The exception being the case when I suspect I'm going to be blinded. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-204101 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 17:23:41 +0000 Rulou 204101@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've a Cateye Volt 300, although someone did tell me last year (on the tow path) that this was too bright. From what I've read and from recommendations on here it would seem to be fine -I hope so, I intend to keep using it. I do angle it down. As a smout I am regularly dazzled by others, but I put that down to being nearer the ground. Flashing on the towpath is just bad manners really, no excuse for that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203993 Sat, 07 Nov 2015 10:33:11 +0000 Schemieradge 203993@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I really miss when I'm out without my helmet light.</p> <p>I like being able to give drivers a quick "flash" in the window when they look like they're about to plough through a roundabout containing me. It seems to work.</p> <p>Also handy for going round sharp unlit bends in the dark (you get see where you're going before you get there)</p> <p>But generally it points about 2ft in front of my front wheel unless I really crane my neck. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203984 Sat, 07 Nov 2015 07:48:54 +0000 SRD 203984@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have a wonky, downward pointed helmet light.</p> <p>I like it for three reasons:</p> <p>1. Seeing my lock, keyhole etc<br /> 2. Being seen over cars, especially if I am queued behind turning cars.<br /> 3. Because it lives on the helmet, I'm less likely to forget it (when I'm in the habit of wearing my helmet....) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203980 Sat, 07 Nov 2015 01:35:24 +0000 acsimpson 203980@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>What is worse? Over unlit lights or over-bright students?</em></p> <p>I suspect a few riders were suffering from flat batteries this week as I passed a few regulars on the bridge with the unlit lights. Assuming there is streetlights or other ambient illumination I prefer unlit to overbright but I can't say I'm an expert on judging the intelligence of passing cyclists.</p> <p>@Stiltskin, I suspect helmet mounters have the best intentions about not looking at oncoming traffic but often seem to forget that said traffic is coming from the direction they are travelling in. What I don't understand is why you would want to put a lever on something which can already increase the risk of neck injury. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203974 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 23:03:29 +0000 minus six 203974@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>What is worse? Over bright lights or unlit students?</em></p> <p>Over-bright lights are far worse</p> <p>Unlit students may have flame-retardant properties, but you just need to add a tad more petroleum </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203973 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 22:16:56 +0000 stiltskin 203973@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I really don't see the point of helmet-mounted lights. Do wearers realise that oncomers are temporarily blinded by them? </em><br /> This only happens if they look at you. If they direct the light downwards, helmet lights are less dazzling than bar lights </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203972 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:26:44 +0000 lorlane 203972@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Coming off the aqueduct last night I was dazzled by an oncoming rider just as the path narrows and curves. Had to completely stop to allow my eyes to readjust, see my footing and ensure I didn't become water-bound!</p> <p>I really don't see the point of helmet-mounted lights. Do wearers realise that oncomers are temporarily blinded by them? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203970 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 21:10:22 +0000 jdanielp 203970@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There is almost certainly more than enough light being generated for every cyclist to be adequately illuminated; anyone have any idea about how to redistribute the lumens? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203967 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:32:11 +0000 gembo 203967@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What is worse? Over bright lights or unlit students?</p> <p>At least with the unlit students you do sort of see them but with the Undipped over bright lights you are blinded. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=5#post-203966 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:12:44 +0000 wingpig 203966@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>One of the notified on the Roseburn yesterday should have been clearly able to perceive the anti-aircraft-searchlight effect caused by his upward-angled beam in the light mist. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203965 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 19:59:57 +0000 SRD 203965@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was cycling up Yeaman place, looked down at the canal path, and was dazzled by a helmet mounted light heading townwards.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203345 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:14:06 +0000 Bigjack 203345@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>TK, although the sunglasses idea seems logical it surely also restricts your night vision to an extent. The real solution is to try to educate other cyclists who seem to not realise or even care about dazzling others. The manufacturers/retailers are also very much to blame for not giving out advice on proper/safe fitting of such lights- it's left to individuals to throw the lights onto handlebars without considering the optimum angle. LEDs are far more directional (ie laser-like) than filament bulbs and so the angle of lights , and that includes rear lights too of course , is as important as brilliance. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203344 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:13:08 +0000 stiltskin 203344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>What I do is have a small button cell LED for the handlebars and use a helmet light. This set up relies on me having enough sense to direct the helmet light down in front of me when passing other people </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203343 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:11:00 +0000 The Boy 203343@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So has anyone got any reccos for decent, affordable lights? The ones I have are pretty bobbins and, even though most of my commute is on the path between Broomhouse and Leith, I figure now would be a good time to sort that. </p> <p>So something that'll be noticeable by the inattentive commuters, but I also don't want to be *that* guy on the paths blinding everyone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203325 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 09:33:32 +0000 tk 203325@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There is only one real solution to this. You need to wear polarising sunglasses at night and then increase the lights on your bike to at least a few thousand lumens. Works a treat! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203291 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:22:28 +0000 amir 203291@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It would be great to do a lights test thingy at the next PY. It's much better to hear that your lights dazzle from a friend rather than a stranger in a crumpled heap. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203288 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:17:51 +0000 acsimpson 203288@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I hope she recovers from the experience quickly enough to get back on her bike in spring. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203285 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:04:37 +0000 HankChief 203285@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Had this on the work's BUG from someone just starting out on commuting...</p> <p>"Tuesday morning....got the husband and kids ready, got my high vis on and off I went. I must say the morning cycle was enjoyable, however, the thought of cycling in the dark on the return route filled me with a little fear! For those who know the route to Fife you will know that there is a portion of the route that is not light. To say I didn't enjoy it was an understatement! Cars coming towards me not dipping their lights, lots of leaves and debris on the route made it a tense cycle home. I got back onto lit paths in South Queensferry, there was a definite sigh of relief and then....as I turned the corner of the cycle path another cyclist came towards me with an extremely bright light! It dazzled me and as I slowed to nearly a stop he continued to head straight for me! I ended up in a heap on the ground as I couldn't get my feet unclipped quick enough. I landed in nettles, the stings cleared up quickly, however, I also injured my pelvis. My husband had to collect me as it was too sore to continue.</p> <p>'Why are you telling us?' I hear you say! Please when you are out be careful, make sure you are as visible as possible however, please also think about other cyclists. Use appropriate lights in the correct position when in light up areas and think about those less confident than you. Unfortunately, this incident has really knocked my confidence and I won't be cycling to and from work during the winter months :(<br /> " </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11678&page=4#post-203226 Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:27:25 +0000 Dave 203226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@srd you can set your cap so that it intersects the ground a bit in front of you. Then, bright lights some distance away aren't a problem for a while however they're pointed. I typically just nod my head down (or to the side) for the last couple of seconds... </p>