Clocks go Fwd end march-Do you stop using commuting lights?

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RideToWorky
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Clocks go Fwd end march-Do you stop using commuting lights?

Post by RideToWorky »

Hi All,

1st year I've gone through winter commuting by bicycle

Yesterday, it was daylight when left office! 8)
Just checked calendar - Clocks go FORWARD end march, that 4 weeks! :D


So.. do people stop using lights when commuting?
... Or Is it good practice to just leave on bike during spring/summer, and have flashing instead of full beam? Or are they just invisible by that point?


If white front lights are invisible by spring/summer, can one use the rear RED lights during the spring summer at the front, to be seen?
Or is that really bad form, and against the Highway code etc? (I'm thinking, I turn right into side road, and there is a car coming head on into me... shudder to think if he didn't see me!)


Hope you can advise!

Regards
Martin
Last edited by RideToWorky on 19 Feb 2016, 4:28pm, edited 2 times in total.
pwa
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by pwa »

If in doubt, have your lights on. They are still useful when the sky is overcast, especially if you pass under the shade of trees. And they can help if a driver has partly misted windows and mirrors. So even on cold but sunny mornings. And why not? You've already got the lights so you don't have to buy them specially, and charging costs a few pence.
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gaz
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by gaz »

RideToWorky wrote:... If white front lights are invisible by spring/summer, can one use the rear RED lights during the spring summer at the front, to be seen?
Or is that really bad form, and against the Highway code etc? ...

That would be illegal. I strongly advise against it.

As for running DRLs, your choice.
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CliveyT
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by CliveyT »

My dynamo lights stay on all year, mainly because I forget about them. Before I had those I always had my lights with me just in case- poor weather, low sun, working late, pub stop after work, pf working overtime to delay you etc. They would often go the summer unused but would much rather have them than not
tatanab
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by tatanab »

As PWA says, any overcast weather and lights are still useful. As for putting a red light on the front that is against the LAW, quite illogical and potentially dangerous.
RideToWorky
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by RideToWorky »

gaz wrote:
RideToWorky wrote:... If white front lights are invisible by spring/summer, can one use the rear RED lights during the spring summer at the front, to be seen?
Or is that really bad form, and against the Highway code etc? ...

That would be illegal. I strongly advise against it.

As for running DRLs, your choice.



Thanks GAZ,

Thought that might be the case, had to ask though, just in case ok!


Because cyclist have such a narrow profile head on, I can imagine where drivers might not spot you easily, when you are turning right infront of them etc. (eg, They are coming around a blind bend right on top of the turning, light this morning! etc)


Whats "DRL" by the way?


Martin
robc02
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by robc02 »

I used to take my dynamo lights off during the summer months, but stopped doing so some years ago. In fact, I usually leave the lights switched on all year round as well. - I sometimes switch them off during a prolonged spell of good weather.... if I remember!

During better weather I sometimes commute on a fast road bike - with mudguards, of course :wink: . On that I always have a rear LED that I can switch on if the weather turns bad for my ride home.
Mark1978
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by Mark1978 »

RideToWorky wrote:
Whats "DRL" by the way?



Daytime Running Lights. Popular on cars these days too with the LED strips you see just below the bumper. That some cars are using DRL is turning it into somewhat of an arms race with lighting.

Personally while I don't commute even on weekend rides I'll have front and rear lights on 'daytime flash' mode, in all but the very brightest summers days.
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gaz
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by gaz »

RideToWorky wrote:Whats "DRL" by the way?

Daytime Running Lamps, encouraging drivers into the mistaken belief that everything moving on the road will have lights on 24/7 :roll: .
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[XAP]Bob
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by [XAP]Bob »

Stop using commuting lights? It will be a long while before its light for my commute, but since I run Dynamo lights, I just leave 'em on at all times...
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Paulatic
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by Paulatic »

I usually put my clock forward in the spring [emoji4]
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RideToWorky
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Re: Clocks go back end march-Do you stop using commuting lig

Post by RideToWorky »

Paulatic wrote:I usually put my clock forward in the spring



grumble grumble.... details.... :D
Have edited OP

Cheers
Martin
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Vantage
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Re: Clocks go Fwd end march-Do you stop using commuting ligh

Post by Vantage »

Mine are on no matter what.
DRL's on motor vehicles are here to stay so might as well join'em. Sure can't beat'em.
Bill


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GrumpyDidcot
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Re: Clocks go Fwd end march-Do you stop using commuting ligh

Post by GrumpyDidcot »

Well, I'm out of the door at 7:20am so it's a day by day decision (on how many to light up) these mornings based on how cloudy. I've got three sets of lights front and back - two used, third comes in if the batteries in one of the first fails mid ride in the dark.
"Be seen" rather than "Can I see" is my rule, so yes, keep them on.

Clock change will mean more dark AM and more light PM.
MikeF
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Re: Clocks go Fwd end march-Do you stop using commuting ligh

Post by MikeF »

RideToWorky wrote:Hi All,

1st year I've gone through winter commuting by bicycle

Well done!
"It takes a genius to spot the obvious" - my old physics master.
I don't peddle bikes.
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