Setting up the lights...

[nappadang]

I've been riding after dark with a combination of cheap lights, from Aldi and Asda. I've always had one flashing and one on permanently, both back and front. Obviously, the permanent lights have been used to keep me within the law.
I've just bought a decent set
Lezyne Macro Front / Micro Rear LED Light Set
My question is, which lights should I have flashing and which on permanent? I now have 3 front and back lights, any suggestions on a good set up would be much appreciated too. I think the elastic Aldi lights could be attached to my helmet.
Thanks in advance.

 

[helston90]

FYI since 2005 you are not required to have a permanent light- flashing is fine although it can be useful for drivers to be able to gauge your distance/ speed of approach as this is trickier with a flashing light.
I have my rechargeables on permanent and my battery powered on flashing to save power.
It would also depend how much street lighting/ proper dark riding you do.
You'll probably find everyone's different and it's up to you.

 

[AlanW]

Well up till fairly recently I have always had both my rear lights on flash mode, as I assumed that would be the best option and safest visable, 1 x Lezyne Micro Drive and 1 x Exposure Flare. However, my wife rode to her mums the other day and despite us all ending up there later on the in the day, she was adamant that she wanted to ride home on the night. So when the kids and I drove over later, I took with me my rear lights plus a front light for the return ride in the dark.

She left for home a few minutes before us, as I was curious to see how bright and visual my rear lights were. Now I'll admit to being somewhat shocked as to how utterly distracting they both were, I was literally unable to see past her bike to see if the road was clear to overtake! In fact I stopped her and switched both the rear lights onto constant mode, to see if it made it better. Yes, 100% better, while still feckin' bright, it was not distracting to the point of being dangerous.

To me that was a good and valuable lesson, as a result, when it is proper dark I no longer use my rear or front lights on flash mode.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Generally, during daylight I have them on flash as they get attention and are not going to blind anyone (They are exposure lights, so technically pulse as they are never off). During darkness I have them on constant.

 

[Tyke]

Flashing in daylight Fixed at night to give drivers a better chance of estimating distance.