Back End Andy Thanks

Rear Light/Reflector Configuration I Prefer. I'm HOPING that the Combo of the Steady Light/Reflector and the Reflector Helps
My Motorists Judge When to CHANGE LANES in Order to Pass. So Far, I've Not Been Disappointed, but Nobody's Collected Statistics

Sometimes, when the commute has been even less eventful than normal, ideas come from other places on the Internet. In this case, today's post comes from a statement of Andy Cline of the "must read" Carbon Trace blog. Mostly, politics aside, Andy is pretty sensible about bikes, but his post here suggested a little info on "the back end" might be in order.

Legal, But I Like MORE

Most states, as in the case of Texas, have a lighting statute along the lines of:

Sec. 551.104. SAFETY EQUIPMENT.  ...

(b) A person may not operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle is equipped with:

(1) a lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle; and

(2)  on  the rear of the bicycle:

(A) a red reflector that is:

(i) of a type approved by the department; and

(ii) visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle; or

(B) a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.

If you are new to the world of cycling, you may not know that few bicycles sold new meet these legal requirements. Ironically, the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS REQUIREMENTS THAT GO BEYOND THESE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME FAIL. But that is another post. The real question is what, in the way of lighting and reflectors and reflective stuff is needed on the back end? Well, I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you that. However, you may find some of the following useful in formulating that answer for yourself.

No Rear Rack? No Problem!
CPSC Reflector/Light
and Blinky Light

Reflectors and lights have very different properties. Reflectors require no batteries or electricity, but depend on light to work. Lights work as long as they have electricity. This is the root of why headlights are required but only reflectors in the rear. After all, if everyone had only reflectors in front, nobody would see oncoming traffic, but with lights in front, everyone's rear reflectors would still work.

In fact, in John Forester's book, with the most recent edition published before "blinky" rear lights became common (hint, hint), suggested that rear lights were unnecessary and that cyclists should stick to rear reflectors. What's more, he recommends AMBER reflectors because they reflect more light than the statutory RED ones. Well, maybe. But his advice isn't strictly legal in most states. GO HERE FOR MORE FROM JOHN FORESTER ON THIS.

I do more. Reading what little research on the matter exists, I concluded that the strategy I would follow consists of the following:

• A rear reflector that conforms to the SAE standard
• A steady rear light
• A blinking rear light

First, the reflector. You cannot buy an SAE reflector at a bike shop. Instead, if anything, they sell an inferior CPSC reflector. Why do I claim this? Well, it is pretty simple. The CPSC reflects from directions cars are unlikely to come at a bike, like the rear quarter, in addition to some reflectance from behind. The SAE reflector works FAR better to reflect back to real world overtaking traffic. Why any reflector at all? Well, electricity can fail and you won't know it - unlike if a headlight goes out.

Second, the steady light. AND, the blinking light. The very same CPSC that fosters an inferior rear reflector did some tests. They found that a steady light is easier for an overtaking motorist to judge distance than a blinking light. On the other hand, a blinking light is identified further away. Interestingly, they did NOT show big AMBER reflectors to work any better than RED ones. That, despite double the reflecting power. I've actually purchased amber reflectors, but the data cause me to lack some motivation to "amberize" my reflector gear.

And so you have it. I carry a reflector, a steady rear light, and a blinking rear light. If a light goes out, I will typically put the remaining one into blink mode. Just to get carried away, one of the lights on my main commute bike also meets the CPSC standard.

Remember, if you think I'm getting carried away, that most of my nighttime clothing seems to trend towards "basic black." I'd rather go with the available ACTUAL RESEARCH, which is pretty minimal. And I have verified many times that overtaking motorists DO see me early. That is true even when I'm wearing my black cycling jacket, with my black cycling gloves, and I'm signaling a lane change. With no "high vis" other than what might be around my ankles to keep my pants from fouling the chain, I'm led to believe that my lights attract the motoring eye and then they readily see whatever else is happening. Would you conclude otherwise?

Lights and reflectors are cheap and work whatever you might be wearing. Ponder that...

Lights and Reflectors Without Flash. Note:
Top Reflector is Modern SAE Standard
Middle Light/Reflector is CPSC Standard
Bottom Reflector is SAE Standard from 40 Years Ago
Fuzzy Focus Doesn't Affect Reflection!

The SAME ARRANGEMENT - IN THE DARK, With Camera Flash
No Rear Electric Lights were Lit, so WHAT YOU SEE is What Would Show in Headlights