Having only lights on 'flashing' setting

[DonnyDarko]

Am I correct in thinking that LED flashing lights on their own are not allowed at night?

Somebody told me once that you either have to have your lights on constant (meaning using more battery power perhaps?) if you only have one set of lights.

But if you have two, you can have one of the sets on flashing, and one on constant.

Which is correct?

 

[gaz]

Am I correct in thinking that LED flashing lights on their own are not allowed at night?

Somebody told me once that you either have to have your lights on constant (meaning using more battery power perhaps?) if you only have one set of lights.

But if you have two, you can have one of the sets on flashing, and one on constant.

Which is correct?

You are allowed to use only flashing lights at night. The law on this changed in around 2005

 

[HLaB]

Am I correct in thinking that LED flashing lights on their own are not allowed at night?

Somebody told me once that you either have to have your lights on constant (meaning using more battery power perhaps?) if you only have one set of lights.

But if you have two, you can have one of the sets on flashing, and one on constant.

Which is correct?

You are incorrect, they changed the law a while back, in fact the last light I bought said it was only legal in flashing mode.
Aside though I do like to run one solid and one flashing, in theory its easier to folk to judge the distance to you if your light is solid but a flashing light is more likely to catch their attention. Also if one fails you have the other

 

[DonnyDarko]

That's sound. Effectively doubling your battery life I'd assume.

And I did think that a flashing one would stand out more which is why I asked I guess. I'll be needing some lights at least for these winter months and if flashing on it's own is confirmed, and fine, then that's what I'll be doing.

Perhaps come to my next question. I'd be looking for lights that don't have a wire running to a battery and can be taken off one bike and stuck on another quite quickly (saves getting up an extra few minutes in the morning I guess haha - all these savings add up to an extra snooze button press) - and clearly if flashing on its own is fine, I'd be looking for a light that the manufacturer has perhaps given thought to this when making them and made a light that does save a lot of battery power when in flashing mode?

 

[HLaB]

With back lights you have plenty of choice of cheap but effective lights, The Blackburn Mars, Smart 1/2 watt superflash, smart 1 watt ad raleigh astrum spring to mind I use the first two on different bikes. For the front its a little more tricky if you need lights to see with they usually cost a bit but if you want light to be seen they are usually cheaper. My lights are of the latter type and I usually go with smart, because my old brackets are smart and I can put the new bracket on another bike and transfer the light between them but other brands are the same. Iirc all my lights have said they get x hours in solid and xx hours in flashing.

 

[DonnyDarko]

Cheers HLab.

You just made me think of something too derrrrrrr. Think I'm having a blonde day. Just been looking at front lights that flash and I will need them constant lmao.

Lights for front will need to be so I can see and particularly down one country lane where I'll need to see the verge perhaps too.

So that scraps the flashing to save battery thing on that one at least.

Will checkout the rear ones you mention though. Cheers.

 

[Norm]

That's sound. Effectively doubling your battery life I'd assume.

And I did think that a flashing one would stand out more which is why I asked I guess. I'll be needing some lights at least for these winter months and if flashing on it's own is confirmed, and fine, then that's what I'll be doing.

Perhaps come to my next question. I'd be looking for lights that don't have a wire running to a battery and can be taken off one bike and stuck on another quite quickly (saves getting up an extra few minutes in the morning I guess haha - all these savings add up to an extra snooze button press) - and clearly if flashing on its own is fine, I'd be looking for a light that the manufacturer has perhaps given thought to this when making them and made a light that does save a lot of battery power when in flashing mode?

Flash mode does significantly extend the battery life. I'd recommend, for front lights, getting a set that doesn't go dark between flashes and also having at least one set which is on constantly, because a single flashing light is very difficult to place by anyone you come across on the road and drivers won't be able to quickly tell how far away you are.

How much are you thinking of spending?

My own set up cost a fair amount but it easily moves between bikes, gives a shed load of power and it has never been found wanting.

Front lights I have an Exposure Maxx-D, although I have the older 3-lens version. This gives "Burn time: High (3 hrs) Medium (10 hrs) Low (24 hrs)" and flash setting lasts for ever. It gives enough light that I only need low or medium settings on the road, but the extra of full-power is great when I leave the tarmac. Also, as it has 3 (or, now, 4) bulbs, it appears as a much larger light so it makes me look more like a motorbike than a cyclist. I also have an Exposure Flash on the front as my "flasher" unit, which is on pretty much constantly when I'm on the road, day or night. I have a Joystick on a head band and I can't over-emphasise how much difference having a good head torch makes to riding on and off the road.

At the rear, I have a pair of Smart 1/2 watts mentioned earlier and an Exposure Flare, again as a flasher which is on whenever I'm on the roads. Finally, I have a RedEye Micro on the back of the Joystick, visible from behind at head height.

Some comparison photos, all taken at fixed exposure, against a CatEye HL135

Cateye HL135 on its own


Cateye HL135 bottom left, against Exposure Joystick on low bottom right. The smallest Exposure on its lowest setting has a broader, brighter beam.


Cateye HL135 bottom left, against Exposure Joystick on high, the Cateye has all-but disappeared



Cateye HL135 bottom left, against Exposure MaxxD on low, similar to the Joystick on high


Cateye HL135 bottom left, against Exposure MaxxD on low, yes, the Cateye is still turned on.


If I was to recommend a "budget" set up, I'd still go with the Joystick / RedEye Micro as a head mounted light and get lower powered "be seen" lights on the bike.

 

[Borbus]

Do you still legally need a rear reflector if you only have a flashing light, or a dynamo powered light?

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Am I correct in thinking that LED flashing lights on their own are not allowed at night?

No.

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Do you still legally need a rear reflector if you only have a flashing light, or a dynamo powered light?

Yes.

 

[Davidc]

Buy a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger then you won't worry about battery life, only your visibility and seeing where you're going.

 

[fossyant]

As long as you are well lit, you are unlikely to get in trouble with the cops, and it just covers your ar$e (liability wise) if (when ) you get knocked off.

Reflectors - well lots of race bikes don't have them. Just helps if you can fit some especially for regular night riding, or have clothing with bits of reflectives on.

 

[paulavin]

Hi all,just read this blog,and visited the Goverment page for cyclists,looks like a flashing light on it's own is ok in well lit areas only,reflectors still required-see link for details. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

 

[siadwell]

There was a case recently where an insurance company tried to use the lack of certain reflectors as an argument to reduce the quantum of damages in a PI case for contributory negligence - despite the fact the cyclist had lights. The argument wasn't upheld but I believe the judge did comment on the lack of reflectors in the judgement.

It would be interesting to know whether there was a total lack of reflective material or a lack of reflectors that meet the appropriate standard.

I would hope that a judge would be likely to apply the spirit of the law rather than the letter. In other words, wearing clothing with plenty of reflectives, plus ankle reflectors, plus reflective tape on the bike, plus bright lights would mitigate a lack of a single reflector required by vehicle lighting regs.

 

[fossyant]

It's very unlikely that not having reflectors but having adequate lights would affect a case. It certainly didn't stop fault being admitted very quickly in my off - I did have 10 lights about me and the bike, and some reflectives on clothing, but nothing on the bike. It's the same with head injuries - and helmets. (oh no I've mentioned that word).