News: Tern launches Vizy radial rear light

[Pedelecs]

Tern Bicycles are launching a rear cycle light which also projects 360 degrees of radial 60-lumen light on the ground around the bike, with the aim of providing additional protection for the cyclist in low visibility.



Full story:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/news/tern-launches-vizy-radial-rear-light/

Currently looks to be only available online here (but ships to UK):
http://premiumbikegear.com/product/tern-vizy-light/

 

[Smart eBiker]

For information this is the total cost for importing this item:

 

[EddiePJ]

I always thought that by law, that you were not supposed to show red light towards on coming traffic?

 

[Smart eBiker]

You know you are right, hmm, maybe this will be illegal in the U.K. If it can be seen from the front.


Cycle law states you have to show a red light, positioned centrally or offside, between 350mm and 1500mm from the ground, at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind. If capable of emitting a steady light it must be marked as conforming to BS3648, or BS6102/3, or an equivalent EC standard.

If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least 4 candela.

The main points of RVLR (see below) are as follows:

• Lights (and reflectors) are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise.
• Lights (and reflectors) are not required when the cycle is stationary or being pushed along the roadside.
• When they are required, the lights and reflectors listed below must be clean and working properly.

The road vehicles lighting regulations 1989:

Colour of light shown by lamps and reflectors
11.—(1) No vehicle shall be fitted with a lamp which is capable of showing a red light to the front, except–

(a)a red and white chequered domed lamp, or a red and white segmented mast-mounted warning beacon, fitted to a fire service control vehicle and intended for use at the scene of an emergency;

(b)a side marker lamp or a side retro reflector;

(c)retro reflective material or a retro reflector designed primarily to reflect light to one or both sides of the vehicle and attached to or incorporated in any wheel or tyre of–

(i)a pedal cycle and any sidecar attached to it;

(ii)a solo motor bicycle or a motor bicycle combination; or

(iii)an invalid carriage; or

(d)a traffic sign.



Also found this useful info: http://www.cyclinguk.org/cyclists-library/regulations/lighting-regulations

 

[danielrlee]

The light that will be seen from the front is a diffuse reflection from the ground, rather than directly from the emitter itself. Surely this is no different from the white light emitted from a front light that illuminates the surroundings and can also be seen from the rear.

I think that this approach is a good strategy and makes your bike appear larger than it is, which should lead to motorists giving you more room when passing.

 

[EddiePJ]

Except that the from the photo, the light is clearly emitting light forwards, and at high level.

If shining a red light onto ground is so important, just mount a second light on the downtube or bottom bracket area facing down.

If this were Dragons Den, I'd be saying I'm out, and don't see this as either a good or safe product.
It's no different to the lazer beam rear lights, and they haven't exactly caught on.

 

[anotherkiwi]

And there are dozens of these on bangood that draw "laser" lines on either side of the bike for half the price.

 

[flecc]

I question whether any of these laser projections are any good.

Road surfaces are predominantly black so light absorbent, and the power of dipped car headlights will wash out any image to virtual invisibility.
.

 

[anotherkiwi]

How about this then:

http://supernova-lights.com/en/m99-taillight

A little bit of red nail varnish on the number plate light and bob's your uncle! Of course you can't buy one, it is OEM only. so you have to fall back on:

http://www.supernova-store.com/supernova-e3-tail-light-fr.html

Which is only 52.50 € with the reflector

 

[danielrlee]

Except that the from the photo, the light is clearly emitting light forwards, and at high level.

It doesn't mean that the emitter is directly visible from in front past where the red light is projected onto the ground. Also, the white light appears to come from a separate unit mounted on the bars and has nothing to do with the rear light.

And yes, the laser projectors are useless junk.

 

[Smart eBiker]

How about just keeping off the road and leave it for cars, use pavements and cycle tracks, much safer at night