To flash or not flash?

[Artstu]

I've just fitted a replacement for a faulty rear light on my bike and I noted that it said it needed to be used in conjunction with a BS approved light, and went on to say LED lights should only be used for extra visibility and should not be in flashing mode when attached to your cycle as it is a contravention of the road vehicle and lighting regulations.

I run my rear light flashing with no other light fitted, and in lit areas I also run a front LED light in flashing mode, I only run it in constant mode when I need it to light my way.

I have no doubt that this topic will have been discussed before. A flashing light is better than no light in my view, I've even seen cyclists with no lights on in the dark passed by police cars without being stopped.

 

[Scimitar]

I thoroughly agree with you. 'Normal' flashing is fine, although there would come a point where some flashing would be irritating and distracting.

 

[Yamdude]

When driving my car, I've always thought cyclists are more conspicuous with flashing rear lights.

 

[Clockwise]

I usually use my LED lights only and put them on blinking mode. I also was considering upgrading my lights to be much brighter until a couple of weeks ago when another cyclist on the other side of a dual carriageway blinded me with a helmet mounted sun and it made me think that too much light could keep me safe but cause someone to crash around me, even with my own lights toady I noticed a cyclist on the other side of the road without any lights and a car went across into the middle of the narrow road to pass and almost got them head on while concentrating on me.

I'm unsure about the laws but as I remember looking at the lights section in evans and halfords the other week it is near impossible to buy a decent light that isn't LED so I suspect the BS approval has changed to allow the better ones but then I do remember the assistant being very hesitant to offer any advice about choosing lights so they might just knowingly have an "illegal" choice of lights to buy as they are popular.

 

[john h]

i have two flashing rear lights one on each side of panniers at back + one on constant in middle, whether it is legal or not i dont know,just as long as i can be seen, i have driven my car at night along country roads and nearly drove over fools including ones walking dogs[ always ware hiviz]

 

[john h]

ment to say also have pedlites on mine great for getting seen as they move.

 

[SRS]

I think the regulations allow for a candle in a jam jar.

From my driving experiences, a flashing light is far less likely to blend into the background lighting.

I run non flashing, front and rear when on cycle paths. In traffic, I switch to flashing for both.
The regulations are of no concern to me, I'll choose what I feel will keep me the safest.

It is be noted that some LED front lights are extremely bright, including mine. These must directed low enough not to dazzle. Raise them for off road use only.

 

[Artstu]

It is be noted that some LED front lights are extremely bright, including mine. These must directed low enough not to dazzle. Raise them for off road use only.

That's a good point, mine aren't the super bright ones, but are still pointed down to light the road several feet in front. Some bike lights are extremely bright, annoying and in my opinion dangerous.

 

[RobF]

Rule 60 of the Highway Code permits a flashing lamp, but recommends a steady one in areas without street lights.

https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71