Stand lights at railway stations (Dynamo and eBikes)

[Boopop]

I asked a train driver on reddit what cyclists with tail lights mentioned in the subject should do. I don't think I should have to carry a cover for my tail light, and it's so rare that anyone even mentions my tail light to me on the platform. Anyway, this is the response I've got from someone else entirely:

"Train driver: "I need to see, so the 200 tonne vehicle I'm in charge of doesn't kill anyone."
Cyclist: "But I'd have to cover ma light! Nooooo"
If you ever wonder why cyclists get so much hate, look at your attitude in a mirror."

Thoughts? Is carrying a cover for your dynamo/ebike battery powered standlight something people actually do?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I've no idea what a stand light it, but you should always turn you lights off on a platform, if for some reason you can't turn them off, cover them.

if you aren't willing to do that you shouldn't be anywhere near a platform.

 

[ianrauk]

It's simple and everyone knows and if they don't then they should. Turn off any bike lights on train stations. It's just common sense.

 

[Brandane]

Similarly, no idea what a standlight is. But surely it has an off switch? Why would anyone want to leave a tail light on while on a railway platform?

 

[Drago]

A train driver wont foxtrot about. They wont stare at a light and waste time trying to see what it is. No, theyll ram on the brakes (which can cause inconvenience, expense, and danger all of its own) and ask questions after the event.

There was a recent thread on this by someone who was highly indignant they'd been asked to switch off their bike light in rail premises, and who then iced the cake with a bevy of public order and rail premises offences as they first argued with and then tried to force their way past rail staff. The consensus was that they were a selfish chump of the first water.

The penalties are quite serious, as are the penalties for gobbing off at or, even worse, using force against rail staff who try and enforce the rules.

It ain't negotiable, the rules are clear, and there is zero justification for not doing exactly as you're bloody well told in an environment with such huge capacity for danger. I'm surprised anyone would even think it appropriate to question this.

 

[presta]

no idea what a standlight is

A rear light that doesn't go out immediately when the bike stops.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Similarly, no idea what a standlight is. But surely it has an off switch? Why would anyone want to leave a tail light on while on a railway platform?

It’s a function of a dynamo setup where a capacitor in the light (front and/or rear) retains enough charge from earlier pedalling to keep the light(s) on while at a standstill, say at traffic lights.

My rear light has a discharge button to flush the charge for situations such as train platforms.

 

[Brandane]

My rear light has a discharge button to flush the charge for situations such as train platforms.

So - no off switch then? That's bad design IMHO.. If I was a regular visitor to railway premises with my bike, during darkness, then I think it would be in my best interest (and the best interest of rail staff and customers) to choose an alternative type of rear light. For example, one that can be switched off!

 

[Ajax Bay]

Well discussed here:
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/bicycle-lights-at-station.298150/
Pages 1-3 only, unless chatters have an irresistable urge to discover @matticus 's lost postal vote challenges and inter-personal style.

 

[presta]

I'm wondering what train drivers make of the multitude of phone screens all over the place.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

So - no off switch then? That's bad design IMHO.. If I was a regular visitor to railway premises with my bike, during darkness, then I think it would be in my best interest (and the best interest of rail staff and customers) to choose an alternative type of rear light. For example, one that can be switched off!

The front light has the on/off switch. When that’s on, both lamps will operate. Walking the bike in a station after cycling to it just means you switch the dynamo off and make sure to discharge the rear.

 

[mjr]

I just stick a saddle cover, pannier rain cover, shopping bag or whatever over mine. Copy of the Even' Stannit or a rail leaflet at a push. If there's really nothing around, put your hand or bag over it at first, then stand with it pointing away from the tracks.

 

[mjr]

So - no off switch then? That's bad design IMHO.. If I was a regular visitor to railway premises with my bike, during darkness, then I think it would be in my best interest (and the best interest of rail staff and customers) to choose an alternative type of rear light. For example, one that can be switched off!

Yeah, I'll unwire and unbolt parts of my vehicle(!) Much simpler just to cover it.

 

[Time Waster]

Red lights have specific sifnificance on railways. Usually means the driver stops quickly. Railays have their own legislation specific to them for v various things. There are their own police constabulary, thee British TRansport police. They are usually quite reactive to issues with abuse of rail staff. Bigger stations probably have their own station too.

I remember that abusive, self entitled cyclist and also remember thinking that if he was like that at some stations (like Lancaster) he would have had the boys in blue inviting him to accompany them somewhere with his attitude. I have seen them be quite responsive to station staff before now. They took no rubbish from the guy in that case and I reckon the OP in that thread would have had a similar experience if at Lancaster station.

 

[alicat]

My dynamo has no standlight. I have a cheap black purse on a carabiner next to the rear light that covers it quickly and without any fuss.