Here are some neat ideas, from projected bike symbol, glow-in-the-dark frames, handlebar-integrated forward lamp (and tracker), turn-signal gloves, customizable illuminated spokes.
I spent an hour walking home along dark country lanes recently. Very instructive. It's decades since I'd done that, at night. How my eyesight, coping with oncoming cars' headlights and then the dim muddy verge (with hidden ditch just beyond) had faded since in my 20s/30s ! That's the sort of thing to remember, as a LESS vulnerable road-user (i.e. a driver): what others out their might find it hard to cope with. So, don't just imagine what it must be like for pedestrians and others more at risk: get out and see what it feels like, now you're driving. (But wear something reflective, and walk where traffic can see you nice-n-early). The same was true on a short bike ride. How my confidence had changed! Let's keep alert, listen for engines' sounds changing, and don't change speed or position without knowing what's around you first ... just as in a car. Here's more on the sometimes "strange" positioning by cyclists, plus important comment on "priority" (versus "right-of-way"). Thanks to Blaine Walsh for the video: |
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July 2024
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