Obelix Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 That's why I specifically mentioned incandescent bulbs. All true, but I was responding to a post that described a claim that dipped headlights can dazzle cyclists as "complete cobblers". It won't happen to those with the brightest lights but to those with the more typical lights, i.e. those designed mainly to help you be seen rather than to help you see, their eyes will be accustomed to the dark and being dazzled by dipped headlights is certainly possible. You are building a strawman. You said "Even cars with dipped headlights leave cyclists blinded for a while." Not "can" or "may" or "sometimes" you implied that it happened every time. I pointed out that this is in fact complete cobblers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I haven't ever seen any used on roads, but I have certainly seen some LEDs worn by 'night MTBers' in nearby woods (not of the flashing variety) when I walk the dog, and they are definitely way stronger than your average car/bike dipped beams. They almost certainly aren't. It's just that with dark adjusted eyes you perceive them to be very bright. I've long been familiar with LED diving torches (not your average household LED torch ), but their throw distance actually spooked me a bit the first time I saw them. Possibly they are more focussed, it's unlikely that they can put out more light than a car headlight, given the amount of power available in the car 12v system. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:06 ---------- how do you get used to not being able to see them though? Did you actually read what was written? All the research would suggest that the less 'special' equipment or clothing is required, the more people will cycle, the more drivers will get used to it and the safer everyone will be. The more drivers will get used to people cycling. I made no reference or inference to drivers getting to used to being dazzled ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:10 ---------- Why would they need too? if you are a pedestrian you should be on the path, if you are crossing the road you should not be running into the path of a car. This is a genuine question, what situation would a car need to see you on our roads here in sheffield? Perhaps when using roads with no footpath? Or crossing driveways or zebra crossings (just a few examples I can think of). ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:10 ---------- So it's perfectly ok to create a dangerous situation by dazzling other road users with strobing bright lights? TBH I don't see the point of strobing front white lights. Front lights are primarily designed to help you see where you're going therefore a steady on light beam is the perfect option. No true on a bike. Commuting lights are purely to "be seen", they do nothing to illuminate the path. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:14 ---------- Man, I HATE those obnoxious flashing lights some cyclists use. What is the deal with them? They're so that obnoxious, inattentive drivers notice them. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:14 ---------- I understand that but I did say "on our roads here in sheffield" And all the roads in Sheffield have pavements? ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:15 ---------- Ah what complete and utter nonsense. They are very bright, can be blinding, and flashing lights like that are not good for some people's health. As for being hit by my car: I don't drive. I just get blinded by them at the bus stop. Perhaps you can make use of you neck and turn your head away from them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
altus Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 You are building a strawman. You said "Even cars with dipped headlights leave cyclists blinded for a while." Not "can" or "may" or "sometimes" you implied that it happened every time. I pointed out that this is in fact complete cobblers. Well as you put "Funny, as a motorist I'm not dazzled by other peoples dipped headlights. I know cyclists like to think they are special but that's complete cobblers...." making no reference to how many cyclists would be affected we can only assume that by "complete cobblers" you meant all cyclists as well. Pot and kettle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obelix Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 They almost certainly aren't. It's just that with dark adjusted eyes you perceive them to be very bright. Possibly they are more focussed, it's unlikely that they can put out more light than a car headlight, given the amount of power available in the car 12v system. 55W in a car headlamp at perhaps 4% efficiency vs a 7W Cree at 25% efficiency.... ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:30 ---------- Well as you put "Funny, as a motorist I'm not dazzled by other peoples dipped headlights. I know cyclists like to think they are special but that's complete cobblers...." making no reference to how many cyclists would be affected we can only assume that by "complete cobblers" you meant all cyclists as well. Pot and kettle. I guess the original post really went over your head. I'm sorry. I'll readjust my estimate of how well you don't comprehend things for when I reply to you in future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathAxe Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 They almost certainly aren't. It's just that with dark adjusted eyes you perceive them to be very bright. Possibly they are more focussed, it's unlikely that they can put out more light than a car headlight, given the amount of power available in the car 12v system. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:06 ---------- Did you actually read what was written? The more drivers will get used to people cycling. I made no reference or inference to drivers getting to used to being dazzled ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:10 ---------- Perhaps when using roads with no footpath? Or crossing driveways or zebra crossings (just a few examples I can think of). ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:10 ---------- No true on a bike. Commuting lights are purely to "be seen", they do nothing to illuminate the path. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:14 ---------- They're so that obnoxious, inattentive drivers notice them. ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:14 ---------- And all the roads in Sheffield have pavements? ---------- Post added 30-01-2014 at 15:15 ---------- Perhaps you can make use of you neck and turn your head away from them? And miss my bus? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPC464 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Have either of you ever cycled at night on an unlit country road? Even cars with dipped headlights leave cyclists blinded for a while. Unfortunately most drivers don't seem to notice you and leave their headlights on full beam until they are almost upon you. How does that make it right for cyclists to do the same? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alchresearch Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 All the research would suggest that the less 'special' equipment or clothing is required, the more people will cycle, the more drivers will get used to it and the safer everyone will be. How do you "get used" to being blasted in the eyes? I pass by Vauxhall motors at the end of the afternoon shift and since the autumn its been worse than ever (the area being flat its popular for workers to cycle in). One guy must have two Cree torches mounted to his helmet. That's far higher than a car headlights - car headlights which are correctly aligned and dipped. There are no such regulations for cyclists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obelix Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 How do you "get used" to being blasted in the eyes? I pass by Vauxhall motors at the end of the afternoon shift and since the autumn its been worse than ever (the area being flat its popular for workers to cycle in). One guy must have two Cree torches mounted to his helmet. That's far higher than a car headlights - car headlights which are correctly aligned and dipped. There are no such regulations for cyclists. Nothing to stop you wearing such a get up in the car and aiming back at them :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 For crying out loud, can't you read? I didn't say anything of the sort. What is the subject of this sentence the more people will cycle, the more drivers will get used to it Cycling. The more drivers will get used to (people) CYCLING. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkey69 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 i never go anywhere now without my helmet and florescent bib on. i only use one LED light on the front, but on the rear i have three varying flashing/ static red lights. and still drivers pull out and gesture that they didnt see me!!!! you need an eye test:hihi: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.