Tips for bike riders on Lawrence Hargrave Drive
February 26, 2009
Section: Opinion
As a regular dawn commuter northbound on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, I need to inform pushbike riders that although the majority are doing the “right thing” by running a flashing red light (or lights) on the their bikes and/or persons, many of their lights are dangerously ineffective.
This is probably due to a combination of factors, including, but not limited to:
• Poor orientation of the light beam – many of these LED lights have a very narrow effective vertical range. This can be tested by viewing the light from about 50m-80m behind their bikes and then adjusting the vertical angle of the light so the beam is at its brightest at this distance. Lights mounted on the rider’s back or the helmet are often ineffective due to this effect.
• Diminished battery life – keep batteries fully charged.
• Design/age of light – recent designs include a flashing strobe function, which is very effective. The older three or four horizontal LED designs are often very poor unless accurately aimed and charged as above.
• Wear reflective striped vests – these are essential as a back-up if your tail light malfunctions during the ride.
Additionally, please do not ride two abreast around, or for 100m beyond, blind corners.
I know it is your legal right to do so, but it is suicidal behaviour on this road at this time.
To the lunatic fringe that rides around dawn on this road with no lights: you deserve whatever you get (and, unfortunately, you probably won’t read this anyway).
– Steve Wilson, Austinmer
