Comments on: Commuting 101: Be Seen!

By: KonaCommuter

KonaCommuter — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:24:37 +0000

Please consider updating this post as Noobs and the noobish are looking for tips and the technology available to the 2012 cyclist has evolved since 2008.

Just my thoughts

By: Steve Cole

Steve Cole — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:07:22 +0000

Good site for the reflective tape is http://www.colebrothers.com/biketape . They carry the bright stuff

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:37:13 +0000

Here’s a great source of reflective tape of all kinds. I’ve purchased a variety of tapes from them. You can even buy in bulk.

http://identi-tape.com/reflective_gateway.htm

I have lots of reflective tape on the body, fork, and fenders of my bike. I also have strips sewn onto the “bags” of my Xtracycle FreeRadical kit. I use a Dinotte 200L on my helmet, one on my handlebars, and a 140L tail light. I also have a Planet Bike superflash on the back of my helmet. High Vis yellow green jerseys and jackets are almost always worn, If not, then a same colored vest w/reflective stripes is also worn. I’ve never been “buzzed” and never had anyone tell me they never saw me, especially now that I added the last two Dinottes. Yes, the price can add up over time, but it’s far cheaper than major medical bills and still far cheaper than operating a car regularly.

By: jone

jone — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:29:53 +0000

Lots of my ride buddies on __mybikermatch.com will head up to the events.They will take some photos and publish the photos there. I am waiting for their photos.lol

By: JiMCi

JiMCi — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:29:01 +0000

“You just need to be seen, and be safe.”

Seems that daytime lights are needed too! Ran into a car last week that barely slowed down trough a stop sign. The driver said it was my fault since I wasn’t wearing bright colors. My bike is red, I am always wearing a red helmet, a red jersey and red gloves. I guess he did see the red stop sign either…

The outcome: my (white) front light is now always on and this driver got a nice deep dent in his brand new car’s front left door.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:14:36 +0000

Or you could go total techie and install programmable LEDs on your spokes, as described on Instructables.com.

By: Scott R

Scott R — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:25:17 +0000

I’ve been using a Trek Flare 7 on my rack set to blink and a Trek Flare 3 set on steady on my saddle bag. I’ve recently ordered a Planet Bike Super Flash from Amazon, but it’s not in yet. It will replace the Flare 7.

Since the Super Flash is seat post mounted, I had to figure out a way to get it mounted to my rack. I did so last night made an Instructable “how-to” while I was at it. Check it out here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bracket_For_Using_Seat_Post_Bicycle_Lights_On_Your/

I also got some of that conspicuity tape last night at my local auto parts store (yes, I rode my bike there). It was about $12 for four 18 inch strips. This is the stuff that you see on the backs of trucks framing in the corners. You’ll also see it running the length of trailers. It is amazingly reflective. I cut some and put it on my fender. I might also try to put some on my helmet, but I’m not sure if it will stick to the styrofoam. Maybe some epoxy glue is in order.

By: Mike Myers

Mike Myers — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:47:42 +0000

I believe that more light is better. I run a DiNotte 600L headlight, DiNotte 140L taillight (on my seatpost), a DiNotte 200L helmet light, two Planet Bike Superflash blinkies(one on back of my helmet, one mounted to my rack), and a reflective vest with blinking LEDs. It works…

By: Meghank

Meghank — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:21:57 +0000

I agree with nina – Reelights are great! Very bright, I never have to think about them at all, and unbreakable (so far!).

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:46:18 +0000

The best reflective tape available is called “conspicuity tape”…available at many auto parts stores. It’s the same silver and red stuff they line the back and lower sides of semi-trucks with. Amazingly reflective!!!