It's common to encounter a couple of other cyclists as I pedal home, especially on the two segregated paths that make my route extraordinary - I hardly ride with automobiles for 5-miles. In the darkness we know ahead of time when a cyclist approaches as we all use powerful headlights and indeed it is a necessity to illuminate the unlit, mostly wooded paths. We are courteous, acknowledge each other, slow to allow one at a time to cross the narrow bridges, and always keeping to the right side when passing, especially because with bright lights, it's difficult to gauge exactly where each rider is positioned, erring on the side of caution.
And so, I was rather bewildered when an oncoming rider yelled, "Egads that's blinding!" It took a split second for his comment to register because, from the tone of his voice, he wasn't joking around. He was angry! Normally, if I get comments at all, they are complimentary, something to the effect of "that's a nice bright light" or "cool light", so this man's comment took me be surprise. My initial reaction was to say, "Sorry!" and a split second later mumbled, "But I need to see!" which by then, because of distance probably fell on deaf ears.
For the next quarter mile I relived the confrontation, mulling over my response and the ire of the other rider. I am a friendly rider, and love to communicate so thus my quick apologetic and non-threatening comeback. But, we all use similar lights - my light is no brighter than anyone else's and I purposely use the second to brightest setting, about 350 lumens, the minimum light for the dark pathways. I also aim the beam approximately 15 feet ahead, a perfect distance for the speed I travel. It's difficult to tell what was going through the other rider's mind. Mixed terrain could have played a factor, my light momentarily blinding him, causing him to blurt out. But much like driving at night, one must be cautious and not stare directly at oncoming headlights. In hindsight, I shouldn't have responded at all and perhaps the guy was having a bad day.
Have you encountered a similar scenario? Are there unwritten rules, or certain etiquette for passing each other in the dark?
Sometimes we misinterpret things we hear. Is it possible that his comment was a compliment?
ReplyDeleteIt definitely wasn't a compliment; that's why I was so struck by it. And unfortunately, I couldn't identify the rider to see if it was someone I often pass in the daylight each morning.
DeleteDid the other rider have any lights?
ReplyDeleteI have a Cygolite Metro 400, and while it is bright enough for my needs, it's not excessively bright. The only time I get any sort of negative comment about it from opposing traffic is usually from folks on an unlit (or under-lit, like one of those little LED glowing things) bike. Perhaps they just don't expect a good quality of light to come from a bike?
Wolf.
The other rider used a handlebar mounted light but I'm guessing it wasn't as bright as mine. Yes, it's possible I'm lit up more so than him. I use four lights.
Deletei have had problems with folks using helmet-mounted headlamps, usually when the user turns to look over their shoulder at me as i move to pass and the light gets shone into my eyes. There are also excessively bright and poorly designed or aimed lamps in common use (the most distracting and IMO hazardous are the strobes.) The problems often lie in the aim and shape of the beam. The folks over at Compass Cycles/Bicycle Quarterly have done some research into brightness and beam pattern issues.
ReplyDeleteIt seems there is a trend to bigger and brighter lights that's almost become an arms race. i understand that in Europe, particularly Germany, that there are strict standards regarding cycle lighting that require lights that are bright enough to show the path whilst not blinding oncoming traffic. Perhaps it's time to consider having this discussion in the US? (i have also noted that auto headlamps are going that way with the low beams rivaling what used to be considered high beams. i consider these to be dangerous in city traffic.)
In addition to a solid beam directing light onto the pavement and a flashing taillight, I use a helmet mounted Planet headlamp on flashing mode, plus flashing rear light. I'm lit up like a Christmas tree, mainly because automobiles can see me better - I do ride for a few blocks with traffic. It's very possible that I momentarily blinded the poor man with a swing of my head in his direction, though the helmet flasher is much less powerful than my Urban 500.
DeleteI've been on both sides of this encounter. I have bright lights on my bike in order to see, and when I ride on un- or under-lit trails/roads, I use them to see. I've learned to angle the light slightly to the right to avoid blinding oncoming cyclists and pedestrians. the Cygolite mounts make this sort of adjustment easy to do on the fly; simply push the rear end of the light to the left.
ReplyDeleteThe only time when I say something to other cyclists regarding lights is when I see one riding on a trail with an obnoxiously bright set to blink or strobe mode. Those modes have their place on American roads - I use one such light when riding on busy roads - but absolutely no place on trails/bike paths. If I see a blinding steady light coming towards me on the trail, then I simply hold up my hand in front of me to block the light. Usually the other rider gets the message and dims the light.
Thanks for the etiquette lesson. I'l have to be more conscious of oncoming riders. It's difficult to turn my helmet lights on and off for the brief one ride on road so I'll need to think about this set up. Perhaps I can set the helmet light on steady beam, instead of flashing. I definitely want to be seen, but obviously not blind and perturb fellow cyclists.
DeleteThis is a perennial issue in the area where I ride as well, particularly for those riding trails. It comes up on message boards every winter. I've noticed that people have different interpretations about etiquette regarding lights as well. Some think you should cover your light when an oncoming rider approaches. Others say angle it off when you see an oncoming rider. Still others say who cares, that's what the bill on your cycling cap is for. However, I think there are some lights that are way too bright for urban trails. I wouldn't say a 350 lumen light is too bright though.
ReplyDeleteThanks MG. What I find particularly interesting is when riding completely dark trails, covering or angling your light - and I've already contemplated doing this - would render the rider (in this case, me) in a dangerous situation. Also, I need two hands on the handlebars for safety. These are only 6-8' pathways.
DeleteEgads, I would be an even bigger "offender". My light is a 1,600 lumen DiNotte, which I use on the highest setting - but after dark I would mostly ride in traffic. I figure there is so much competing light in an urban environment that a bright light is needed to be seen by drivers. Pus, we have a lot of big hills, with long fast descents - which require some "throw" to the light to see far enough ahead.
ReplyDeleteI think the suggestion Moriamweb made about aiming your light is right on. Especially on non-motorized paths, angling down will help a lot. I try to aim so the brightest part of the beam splashes on the road 50 or so feet ahead (on level terrain).
I can so relate to replaying the confrontation in your mind - I would have done the same. However, I think you can let it go. I think you are pretty conscientous cyclist.
FYI, I ride with lights on front and back day and night all year round. In flash mode during the day time. I think it makes a big difference in drivers seeing a cyclist.
I'd love to see what 1600 lumens looks like!
DeleteAnd yeah, I won't let this one occurrence stop me from riding. Honestly, I only enter 2-3 cyclists anyways. I absolutely have enjoyed everyone's comments though. :)
You can see what 1600 lumens light looks like at night if you scroll down the page at this link: http://reviews.mtbr.com/review-dinotte-xml-3
Deletemtbr.com has a lot of info in their bike light reviews, which you can peruse at this link: http://reviews.mtbr.com/category/lights
I, too, roll with lights on front and rear day and night throughout the year, except that I use steady mode. I reserve flashing only for those times when my safety is at risk, such as scooting alongside a line of stopped cars, or riding on the road in a heavy snowstorm (as happened at least once every winter for the past few years). MY min light is a Cygolite Expilion 800 running at medium most of the time, so ~450 lumens. I've found quite a contrast while riding alongside motor vehicles with just that light vs. the Expilion + a Cygolite Metro at ~250 lumens flash; with the two lights active, I've found motorists actually move slightly to the left as I rode past, giving me a bit more room. They're actually nice! I never saw that behavior with just the one light. However, once I turn away from the heavy traffic, I turn off the flash; it's just too blinding to use on paths or light-traffic roads.
DeleteI run with a Phillips Safelight and a Cygolite 400 on my handlebars with a second Cygolite on my helmet. I run all three on the road (90% of my commute). When I get on the multi-use path I turn off the Cygolites. When I approach anyone I put my fingers over the Phillips to filter it down a bit.
ReplyDeleteI had an unusual situation this morning. I was on road and a cyclist was approaching on the adjacent sidewalk. I moved left in the lane, covered my handlebar lights and pointed my helmet light left.
I find I can usually avoid blinding others.
It does not sound to me like your headlight is too bright. Plus, to illuminate 15 feet ahead, you must have it angled down somewhat. It just isn't a good idea to look directly into a headlight. I don't think there's anything you could have done differently.
ReplyDeleteOne other thought: Is the headlight mounted to your handlebars? If so, have you thought about attaching it at the fork crown or using a Problem Solver to mount it to the mid-fork eyelet? I think mounting lights a little lower can help.
Thanks for your suggestion. Mounting on the handlebars works perfectly for me. My bike stays outdoors at my workplace so the flexibility to install the light every afternoon is key plus I remove it once I arrive home to recharge and keep the light warm (my bike stays in our cold garage). I chose this type of light because of its brightness and easy attachment. I will keep the lighting as is, though as I mentioned, I will try a steady beam on the helmet light. I ride hills and tight curves so angling the beam on a moments notice is dangerous.
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