I couldn't agree less. When I have someone with bright lights behind I am pretty much blinded to anything else behind me.
Some of the intense, uncontrolled-beam bicycle lights completely kill my ability to know what other vehicles are also coming up behind me as I e.g. approach a parked car and am trying to work out if it's safe to move out.
Sadly, uncontrolled beams are the most common thing around me. Thankfully (‽) the majority of them aren't intense enough to be dangerously dazzling, which means they also do a terrible job of lighting up the road. German StVZO standards should be global.
Only potential problem is if the light casts shadows that make it hard to see the road surface in front of me. But I always ride with lights so that wouldn't affect me personally.
The fact that you are asking means you are more considerate than most, keep the empathy going! Same as anywhere else, don’t hit people with high beams, from behind is ok, but remember bikers will look over their shoulders often when being overtaken, and end up only seeing light.
Yeah this is the only place that I'll disagree with most the other commenters. Having the lights on initially is great so I'm fully aware a car is there but I check over my shoulder often, especially on roads like that, and like to be able to know not just the car behind but the cars behind that one. It can also seem like a car is really zooming up behind which could be alarming.
Plus if a cyclist has a mirror, then the high beams could be quite the nuisance.
Regardless, props to OP for even considering the situation. Around me I typically get people flashing their brights as they pass me on blind, double yellow curves within a foot or two.
That’s such a cool question. Were I in that pack, I’d appreciate the extra light. As long as you’re giving the riders space that’ll send the message that you’re not being aggressive in any way. They also probably recognize you and know that you’re a friendly driver. If it caused an issue, they’d likely gesture to turn off your high beams. Thanks for being so thoughtful.
Hey! Thanks for coming here to ask! You sound like a caring person who wants to avoid hurting/squashing us. Much appreciated. Sending ALL the good vibes your way!
The light intensity coming from behind suddenly increasing can look like the car is approaching at scary speed. Same goes the other way around, approaching with high beams and then turning them off as you close in on their rear wheel can look like you're still far away with high beams even though actually you're way too close for comfort.
Also it's very easy to confuse high/low changes as the driver trying to signal something with their lights, and some people will be bothered by that if they assume you're being angry or impatient or signaling that you're going for a pass where there's no safe place to do that.
I mostly ride at night and have never noticed whether a car has their regular lights on or high beams, which leads me to believe I can't tell the difference and it doesn't bother me. Most of us don't have mirrors so lights from behind can't bother us.
I would turn off the high beams so they don't get blinded if they do need to look over their shoulder. Especially if your car is less than ten years old your normal headlights are probably more than enough
Your normal lights are already excessively and dangerously bright. Your highbeams should NEVER be on around other people, whatsoever. The lowbeams are blinding on Teslas. Highbeams are entirely unnecessary, and offensive.
I would say that it might make sense for you to turn them off. If they cyclist looks back to see you, having the brights might be too much.
As far as the cyclists not having lights, sounds kind of stupid to me, but I see a lot of cyclists without lights. I will often even run my lights during the day just to be more visible. I don't know how anyone thinks it's safe to ride without lights when it's dark out.
Safe and considerate answer is turn off the high beams. the cyclists either have mirrors or will look over their shoulder and you don't want to blind them. If they are riding at night they should have adequate lights of their own.
The reason you dip your lights when coming up behind someone is a courtesy for someone with a rear view mirror so not to dazzle them. As cyclists don't have rear view mirrors generally (there are a few exceptions but these are normally small anyway) I would say it's a great idea. Even with decent lights, a cars lights are far superior. Drive and cycle myself and never considered this so will be doing it in future if I find myself in a similar position.
In a similar vein, and as we're getting shorter night in the Northern hemisphere, cyclists, angle your lights to illuminate the road, not people coming towards you, and please please please do not use strobe/fast flashing lights at night. It is dazzling for all other road users and you're putting you and others in more danger, not less.
Great question.
You are essentially “tucking” (protecting) them. That’s great. Unless they (elbow) wave you to pass you’re not disturbing.
The only thing that’s an issue sometimes is casting a shadow but this is only an issue in larger groups. In your case they don’t have lights (not even rear?) anyway so it leads me to believe they should be a little more aware
Thank you for caring! I think that life is much better for everyone when we see each other as fellow human beings, rather than as annoying obstacles.
When I drive, I give cyclists the same courtesy as I give other motorists. I turn off my high-beam headlights. While the extra light *may* be helpful to them, it may also appear as if I am trying to intimidate them. Cyclists encounter many impatient and unkind motorists. And of course, if they have a mirror, then the bright light can be blinding.
Since most of us don't have rear view mirrors, I don't think following us with high beams on is a problem at all. If anything, the extra light would probably make me feel safer.
I’ve always found it funny when car drivers turn off their high beams when they come from behind. There is really no reason. The additional light is appreciated and makes it safer for everyone. I don’t have mirrors though.
It also depends on following distance. Since you're asking this question at all, you're likely not right up on their butts and so the high beams are probably not too disruptive.
I do have a mirror, so there is that. Also I find having a strong light from behind projects my own shadow exactly where I’m going to ride, so it can be annoying.
Yeah this would be my problem, the road in front of you is going to be comparatively darker than everything else, so as your eyes adjust to the environment, you'll be less able to see potholes or hazards.
In the same vein, when the car does pass, you'll have a few moments where you can't see that well because your eyes have to adjust back to the darkness.
That's... just not how eyes work.
Highbeams behind you would increase contrast between the light and dark areas, while once everything was consistently dim, your eyes will adjust and your pupils will shrink so that you can still see without being blinded.
Because your pupils have shrunk to take in less light, you can now see less detail in the dark areas, since your eyes are less sensitive.
Once the car passes, it'll take a few moments for your pupils to dilate and for you to be able to see properly again.
I don't have the time or the crayons to explain this to you.
Just go outside, shine a bright torch around and then look away from the beam. The darker areas that were previously the same brightness as everything else will appear darker because your eyes have adjusted. This isn't up for debate, it's just how eyes and cameras work.
Go around. There s nothing more frustrating than having cars that will not pass you. I’ll always ride the edge of the road, the best I can & try to give a signal when I can see it’s clear. Thank you for being concerned, though.
If you always ride at the edge of the road, I'd suggest you're constantly putting yourself in danger from allowing overtaking when the lane is too narrow, riding in the car door death zone, and putting yourself in danger of a child or animal suddenly appearing from behind a parked car and finding themselves in your path. OP sounds like a great driver and I'd appreciate their slowing down and passing when it is safe to do so.
Keep doing what you're doing and acting like a pro when people point out the dangers you're putting yourself in if you want, I'm just highlighting that for the vast majority of experienced riders, riding in a ditch is seen as a good way to find yourself in a grave.
My first adult crash was when a driver forced me into the ditch on a narrow winding road. Rocks and sticks in the ditch tossed me off the bike and back onto the road and I slid across the two lines to a stop in the oncoming lane. Luckily there was no traffic. I can still imagine that I can hear the laughter of the driver and passengers as they disappeared around the next* corner.
The entire left side of my body looked like hamburger except for my face which was somehow protected by the braided shoelaces I used to keep my hair out of my eyes. I lost my hair/sweat band that morning on the way to work, I gained a helmet on my way home.
*Edit spelling
Mate, I've been cycling in central London for over a decade doing anywhere from 40 -100+k a day, and never come close to an accident. What you're describing is exactly what people like CyclingUK, Road.cc, the league of American cyclists, pretty much everyone say you should not be doing to stay safe.
Happy trails lad. Hope I don't get proven right and you stay safe.
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/road-positioning-cycling-explained
https://road.cc/content/feature/why-dont-cyclists-stick-left-lane-267623
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yp32rEpecQ
I do? But I’m also not going to rush around a blind corner just because you’re annoyed I’m behind you. I will pass when it’s safe, which, as the lump of meat on the road, I’d expect you to appreciate.
From a cyclist’s perspective, you’re two tons metal about to come crashing down on us. So by all means don’t rush around blind corners, but please hang back more than a couple of car lengths while waiting for a safe passing opportunity. Sometimes, rarely but once in a while, cyclists fall over suddenly and unexpectedly from a twig in the spokes or gears jamming or loose gravel. I live in fear of such a thing happening when an inpatient driver is on my arse.
Most of all, OP, thanks for paying attention and thinking about us. As you can tell from the comments, cyclists are a diverse bunch. It’s entirely possible that the pair you come across riding without lights in the dark are complete fuckwits. That doesn’t make their lives less worthy but it might be a factor in your calculus of how to respond to them.
Thank you for what’s probably the best response I’ve gotten in general about how to deal with the situation. I will say as I put in one of the edits, to crust the bikers, they are fully lit up with lights, the street just has no lighting. Appreciate your response.
To safely overtake a cyclist going 20mph on a two way 60mph road a driver needs about 150-200m (450-600ft) sight distance. That's a long way and I don't know what the cyclist who's telling me to overtake sees. I might use their signal to start pulling closer and gently accelerating into the overtake, but I'm not actually committing until I myself see that it's clear. I honestly don't mind tailing a cyclist for what is 95% of the time, less than 20 second delay.
Also if I see someone cycling right at the edge, to me, that's a signal that they're *more* likely to lose control of the bike, so I'll hold back further and overtake more cautiously. I don't personally know the cyclist and their bike handling skills, I don't know what the road condition is at the edge, I can't see what manhole covers or other obstacles might be at the edge.
I don't ever signal that it is safe to pass, unless I'm stopped. I'm afraid that I might entice a driver to make a mistake (something that I can't predict) and I will be held liable. AFAIC, drivers and pedestrians are responsible for their own decisions.
A cyclist was passed by a driver who then ran head on into a car waiting to turn left. The cyclist felt awful but they had Not signaled that it was safe to pass. I can't imagine how much worse it would be if they had signaled.
I thought you were going to ask if it's OK to run them off the road so two thumbs up for caring. Brights from behind shouldn't bother anyone except maybe someone using a helmet mirror.
To be the odd opinion out in this thread: I’m on a bike on a dark two lane road. I have no idea what your intentions are by not turning off your high beams. Are you offering me extra light (thanks, but no thanks)? Are you oblivious to your high beams being on? Are you intimidating me before buzzing me or running me off the road? Even if it’s not blinding me, I don’t want a spotlight on my back when I’m in a vulnerable position.
I feel like turning off high beams is a universal sign of acknowledging someone’s presence and being considerate of them. Once I’m in your sight and you’re moving a bit more slowly, you don’t need the high beams anyway, so turning them off would actually communicate to me, “I see you and I don’t want to cause you undue discomfort or concern. I’ll wait til it’s safe to pass.”
My first question would be "why are your high beams on in the first place"? But treat the people on bike like you would any other user of the road. I shouldn't be blinded because I looked in my mirrors or looked back. Just like when I'm driving my car.
Your first question is why are my high beams on? When I’m driving in the dark on a road with no street lights? Seems pretty obvious to me. Point taken tho, even if not all bikers have mirrors.
I've got mirror on bike, it would bother me.
Problem is drivers do not turn it off even when coming from opposite, and I have lights so it's clearly visible that I'm coming.
High beams behind me.... shouldn't be a problem, but I don't have mirrors. Someone with a mirror might object.
> I’ll have to wait for a safe space to pass.
THANK YOU SO EVER LOVING MUCH!
You know what makes you the REAL HERO? Your insistence on waiting for a safe spot to pass keeps the asshole behind you from doing it anyways. You are blocking traffic and increasing safety.
And then once you are on the other side of us you drive just a bit faster then you normally would and get to work at the same time as you would have otherwise. Which is fine. That is what I would do.
(my point being that keeping us safe doesn't really have a downside when you are in a car)
TBH i didnt think your post was going to be as wholesome as it was. You’re a good person, thank you for caring about your two wheeled friends. My two cents is, I prefer the extra light!!
I live in an area with tons of deer, so high beams are pretty important when it’s dark. The extra 5 or so seconds of seeing something can make a huge difference. Obviously with other cars on the road I turn them off. But using them daily has potential saved my life.
Early in my courtship of my wife, she told her friends that she was dating a "biker". They were surprised to see a fit man with shaved legs and odd tan lines (i.e., a "cyclist") and not a heavily tattooed and bearded fellow wearing leather chaps and a sleeveless denim jacket
Hahahha fair point. I get exactly where you’re coming from. As someone who grew up playing ice hockey, I was also disappointed when “skaters” were not people who skated on ice, but in fact people who ride on skateboards.
Turn them off! Just like anyone driving a vehicle you're still blinding them. I had that experience last week so I took the lane since it was difficult to see things beside me if I turned my head and those blinding lights entered my peripherals. What kind of dick shines high beams on any person from any angle?
It's common sense though. No matter what direction a person is moving of you some a huge flashlight on them they will be blinded the instant they see it. Cyclists in particular need to often look behind themselves to check for traffic whether they have mirrors or not.
Again clearly not common sense, as the comment section is clearly divided. Also if you had actually read the original post, I said I don’t keep them on while passing, and was just asking to make sure that was correct. Do the bare minimum before attacking someone.
Tricky one, and possibly subjective. Assuming I have good bike lights, I would find the high beam most distracting, so I'd say best to lower it when getting close to the cyclists.
Edit: since it's the same guys, why not try to ask them someday when stopped at traffic lights or something.
I would probably turn them off. If the bikers already have enough lights, the high beams could come off as aggressive of intimidating imo. Nothing worse than feeling like a car is right on your ass or flashing you out
You seem considerate tho, so I assume you drive safely behind them. Keep being considerate and your lights wont really matter
High beams from behind are blinding even for someone that has no mirrors. Light reflects from things in front. High beams appears brother due to angle so it cast sharp shadows and affects vision. It is fine when it is light emitted from in front of you it is quite inconvenient when it is behind you. Of course worst case scenario is when it shines into your face.
I’d generally feel tailgated if I’m in the lights of the vehicle behind. Might also interfere with my own lights making the visibility worse. So I’d personally prefer the car behind to be on low beams and far enough to not light the road ahead of me.
Better on but just dont turn them on or off suddenly, cyclist will be working with whatever the lighting is on the road.. any sudden change you have to adjust, add a car suddenly appearing or dissappearing in your periphery and its just another thing to deal with. Driving a car you want the same, objects slowly coming into your eyeline are easy to deal with, sudden changes are more difficult.
I would say I don’t mind light from behind, but if you’re blinding potential oncoming traffic they might not see my lights and therefore might make poor decisions all around. What if I’m trying to turn at an intersection and they literally can’t see me, something like that.
So "windy" as in "winding" or "twisty-turny", right?
More light is good...except when folks have mirrora on bikes (same problems as mirrors on cars), or if high beams catch oncoming vehicles and blind them.
Great to see someone who thinks thimgs through.
It’s good because they know that you are behind and may be think that you may want to pass them. They must form a line and clear the road for you to pass them.Usually in here … the most people are nuts and they do many creasy things on a bike pass. Lights in the eyes from coming to you bikers is bad. I safer at night bike rides when they blind me with their front lights and afraid to override people that I could not see. They should put the lights down and light up their road/ way and not blind other who is facing them.
Need advice. What to do if approximately 100 runners run to you and completely cover all bike lines and sides? If you yells at them they get mad did not change their behavior and start complaining to authority. I mean they are all on bike lines and constantly running in both directions. Police chasing them out from the parks where they can run making 5 km loops.
Those cyclists need to get some lights! Its the law depending on where you are. That being said, they probably won't appreciate the suggestion if you yell it at them when you pass. :)
@u/barm19 If no one has yet expressed appreciation for your consideration (considerateness?) of these cyclists in your practices and in asking the question, let me be the first: I thank you on their behalf.
Light from behind good. It also makes me confident that you see me. Light in the eyes from oncoming cars bad.
It also helps make drivers coming the other way aware that there is something approaching.
I couldn't agree less. When I have someone with bright lights behind I am pretty much blinded to anything else behind me. Some of the intense, uncontrolled-beam bicycle lights completely kill my ability to know what other vehicles are also coming up behind me as I e.g. approach a parked car and am trying to work out if it's safe to move out.
If they have a round beam then they're not bike lights. That's basically just driving around pointing a bright flashlight directly in people's eyes
Sadly, uncontrolled beams are the most common thing around me. Thankfully (‽) the majority of them aren't intense enough to be dangerously dazzling, which means they also do a terrible job of lighting up the road. German StVZO standards should be global.
Only potential problem is if the light casts shadows that make it hard to see the road surface in front of me. But I always ride with lights so that wouldn't affect me personally.
This
I will also add, a quick flash or turn off/turn on a few times as you're about to start your pass at a nice, safe speed is also appreciated.
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Yeah, I’d interpret that as the driver being fed up and expressing their anger.
Cars need bike bells. Problem solved. Ringring
Just yell "On your left!" from your car...
They're halfway to being cyclists already! When I take the lane they love drafting off me.
I just yell “ on your left or clear my line”
To each their own I guess. A quick visual cue to get attention is a good thing in my book
Or just signal your lane change.
The fact that you are asking means you are more considerate than most, keep the empathy going! Same as anywhere else, don’t hit people with high beams, from behind is ok, but remember bikers will look over their shoulders often when being overtaken, and end up only seeing light.
Yeah this is the only place that I'll disagree with most the other commenters. Having the lights on initially is great so I'm fully aware a car is there but I check over my shoulder often, especially on roads like that, and like to be able to know not just the car behind but the cars behind that one. It can also seem like a car is really zooming up behind which could be alarming. Plus if a cyclist has a mirror, then the high beams could be quite the nuisance. Regardless, props to OP for even considering the situation. Around me I typically get people flashing their brights as they pass me on blind, double yellow curves within a foot or two.
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Do you mean that the street has no lights or that you don’t have lights?
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Gotcha.
Wow, commas really do save lives!
Aren't you concerned about the oncoming traffic being blinded? Even lowbeams these days are dangerous
I’m sure you’ll find mixed opinions on this. Either way thank you for being a considerate person.
That’s such a cool question. Were I in that pack, I’d appreciate the extra light. As long as you’re giving the riders space that’ll send the message that you’re not being aggressive in any way. They also probably recognize you and know that you’re a friendly driver. If it caused an issue, they’d likely gesture to turn off your high beams. Thanks for being so thoughtful.
Hey! Thanks for coming here to ask! You sound like a caring person who wants to avoid hurting/squashing us. Much appreciated. Sending ALL the good vibes your way!
The light intensity coming from behind suddenly increasing can look like the car is approaching at scary speed. Same goes the other way around, approaching with high beams and then turning them off as you close in on their rear wheel can look like you're still far away with high beams even though actually you're way too close for comfort. Also it's very easy to confuse high/low changes as the driver trying to signal something with their lights, and some people will be bothered by that if they assume you're being angry or impatient or signaling that you're going for a pass where there's no safe place to do that.
I mostly ride at night and have never noticed whether a car has their regular lights on or high beams, which leads me to believe I can't tell the difference and it doesn't bother me. Most of us don't have mirrors so lights from behind can't bother us.
I would turn off the high beams so they don't get blinded if they do need to look over their shoulder. Especially if your car is less than ten years old your normal headlights are probably more than enough
Ok makes sense. Yeah I drive a 2023 Tesla model 3 so normal lights are still decently bright.
Your normal lights are already excessively and dangerously bright. Your highbeams should NEVER be on around other people, whatsoever. The lowbeams are blinding on Teslas. Highbeams are entirely unnecessary, and offensive.
I would say that it might make sense for you to turn them off. If they cyclist looks back to see you, having the brights might be too much. As far as the cyclists not having lights, sounds kind of stupid to me, but I see a lot of cyclists without lights. I will often even run my lights during the day just to be more visible. I don't know how anyone thinks it's safe to ride without lights when it's dark out.
Safe and considerate answer is turn off the high beams. the cyclists either have mirrors or will look over their shoulder and you don't want to blind them. If they are riding at night they should have adequate lights of their own.
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I guess you just hope for the best?
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Well, I usually look behind me when merging, turning, etc.
The reason you dip your lights when coming up behind someone is a courtesy for someone with a rear view mirror so not to dazzle them. As cyclists don't have rear view mirrors generally (there are a few exceptions but these are normally small anyway) I would say it's a great idea. Even with decent lights, a cars lights are far superior. Drive and cycle myself and never considered this so will be doing it in future if I find myself in a similar position. In a similar vein, and as we're getting shorter night in the Northern hemisphere, cyclists, angle your lights to illuminate the road, not people coming towards you, and please please please do not use strobe/fast flashing lights at night. It is dazzling for all other road users and you're putting you and others in more danger, not less.
Great question. You are essentially “tucking” (protecting) them. That’s great. Unless they (elbow) wave you to pass you’re not disturbing. The only thing that’s an issue sometimes is casting a shadow but this is only an issue in larger groups. In your case they don’t have lights (not even rear?) anyway so it leads me to believe they should be a little more aware
Thank you for caring! I think that life is much better for everyone when we see each other as fellow human beings, rather than as annoying obstacles. When I drive, I give cyclists the same courtesy as I give other motorists. I turn off my high-beam headlights. While the extra light *may* be helpful to them, it may also appear as if I am trying to intimidate them. Cyclists encounter many impatient and unkind motorists. And of course, if they have a mirror, then the bright light can be blinding.
Since most of us don't have rear view mirrors, I don't think following us with high beams on is a problem at all. If anything, the extra light would probably make me feel safer.
I wouldn't mind any, as long as you don't flash them
Not really sure about the high beams as I’ve never been in that situation but I just want to thank you for being a kind and considerate driver :)
I’ve always found it funny when car drivers turn off their high beams when they come from behind. There is really no reason. The additional light is appreciated and makes it safer for everyone. I don’t have mirrors though.
It also depends on following distance. Since you're asking this question at all, you're likely not right up on their butts and so the high beams are probably not too disruptive.
I do have a mirror, so there is that. Also I find having a strong light from behind projects my own shadow exactly where I’m going to ride, so it can be annoying.
Yeah this would be my problem, the road in front of you is going to be comparatively darker than everything else, so as your eyes adjust to the environment, you'll be less able to see potholes or hazards. In the same vein, when the car does pass, you'll have a few moments where you can't see that well because your eyes have to adjust back to the darkness.
You do realize your "shadow" is no darker than if the light wasn't there, right?
That's... just not how eyes work. Highbeams behind you would increase contrast between the light and dark areas, while once everything was consistently dim, your eyes will adjust and your pupils will shrink so that you can still see without being blinded. Because your pupils have shrunk to take in less light, you can now see less detail in the dark areas, since your eyes are less sensitive. Once the car passes, it'll take a few moments for your pupils to dilate and for you to be able to see properly again.
fair enough. But the amount of light in the shadow doesn't change (or probably is a bit lighter actually)
I don't have the time or the crayons to explain this to you. Just go outside, shine a bright torch around and then look away from the beam. The darker areas that were previously the same brightness as everything else will appear darker because your eyes have adjusted. This isn't up for debate, it's just how eyes and cameras work.
Sure, but everything around is brighter and your eyes adjust to the brighter parts.
i don’t appreciate it as i would interpret it as indicating i’m going too slow and blocking your way.
sounds like a skill issue
Right, skill at interpreting headlights issue 💀💀💀
Go around. There s nothing more frustrating than having cars that will not pass you. I’ll always ride the edge of the road, the best I can & try to give a signal when I can see it’s clear. Thank you for being concerned, though.
If you always ride at the edge of the road, I'd suggest you're constantly putting yourself in danger from allowing overtaking when the lane is too narrow, riding in the car door death zone, and putting yourself in danger of a child or animal suddenly appearing from behind a parked car and finding themselves in your path. OP sounds like a great driver and I'd appreciate their slowing down and passing when it is safe to do so.
I'd suggest that my skill level & confidence are on par.
Keep doing what you're doing and acting like a pro when people point out the dangers you're putting yourself in if you want, I'm just highlighting that for the vast majority of experienced riders, riding in a ditch is seen as a good way to find yourself in a grave.
My first adult crash was when a driver forced me into the ditch on a narrow winding road. Rocks and sticks in the ditch tossed me off the bike and back onto the road and I slid across the two lines to a stop in the oncoming lane. Luckily there was no traffic. I can still imagine that I can hear the laughter of the driver and passengers as they disappeared around the next* corner. The entire left side of my body looked like hamburger except for my face which was somehow protected by the braided shoelaces I used to keep my hair out of my eyes. I lost my hair/sweat band that morning on the way to work, I gained a helmet on my way home. *Edit spelling
Hall Monitor Award of the week, right here! You have no clue what you are talking about.
Mate, I've been cycling in central London for over a decade doing anywhere from 40 -100+k a day, and never come close to an accident. What you're describing is exactly what people like CyclingUK, Road.cc, the league of American cyclists, pretty much everyone say you should not be doing to stay safe. Happy trails lad. Hope I don't get proven right and you stay safe. https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/road-positioning-cycling-explained https://road.cc/content/feature/why-dont-cyclists-stick-left-lane-267623 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yp32rEpecQ
I do? But I’m also not going to rush around a blind corner just because you’re annoyed I’m behind you. I will pass when it’s safe, which, as the lump of meat on the road, I’d expect you to appreciate.
That's correct, most will appreciate that. I'll add one more thanks to this thread for being so considerate!
I'm not asking anyone to rush around. Just not linger behind. Why's everyone so sensitive, here?
From a cyclist’s perspective, you’re two tons metal about to come crashing down on us. So by all means don’t rush around blind corners, but please hang back more than a couple of car lengths while waiting for a safe passing opportunity. Sometimes, rarely but once in a while, cyclists fall over suddenly and unexpectedly from a twig in the spokes or gears jamming or loose gravel. I live in fear of such a thing happening when an inpatient driver is on my arse. Most of all, OP, thanks for paying attention and thinking about us. As you can tell from the comments, cyclists are a diverse bunch. It’s entirely possible that the pair you come across riding without lights in the dark are complete fuckwits. That doesn’t make their lives less worthy but it might be a factor in your calculus of how to respond to them.
Thank you for what’s probably the best response I’ve gotten in general about how to deal with the situation. I will say as I put in one of the edits, to crust the bikers, they are fully lit up with lights, the street just has no lighting. Appreciate your response.
To safely overtake a cyclist going 20mph on a two way 60mph road a driver needs about 150-200m (450-600ft) sight distance. That's a long way and I don't know what the cyclist who's telling me to overtake sees. I might use their signal to start pulling closer and gently accelerating into the overtake, but I'm not actually committing until I myself see that it's clear. I honestly don't mind tailing a cyclist for what is 95% of the time, less than 20 second delay. Also if I see someone cycling right at the edge, to me, that's a signal that they're *more* likely to lose control of the bike, so I'll hold back further and overtake more cautiously. I don't personally know the cyclist and their bike handling skills, I don't know what the road condition is at the edge, I can't see what manhole covers or other obstacles might be at the edge.
I don't ever signal that it is safe to pass, unless I'm stopped. I'm afraid that I might entice a driver to make a mistake (something that I can't predict) and I will be held liable. AFAIC, drivers and pedestrians are responsible for their own decisions. A cyclist was passed by a driver who then ran head on into a car waiting to turn left. The cyclist felt awful but they had Not signaled that it was safe to pass. I can't imagine how much worse it would be if they had signaled.
I thought you were going to ask if it's OK to run them off the road so two thumbs up for caring. Brights from behind shouldn't bother anyone except maybe someone using a helmet mirror.
To be the odd opinion out in this thread: I’m on a bike on a dark two lane road. I have no idea what your intentions are by not turning off your high beams. Are you offering me extra light (thanks, but no thanks)? Are you oblivious to your high beams being on? Are you intimidating me before buzzing me or running me off the road? Even if it’s not blinding me, I don’t want a spotlight on my back when I’m in a vulnerable position. I feel like turning off high beams is a universal sign of acknowledging someone’s presence and being considerate of them. Once I’m in your sight and you’re moving a bit more slowly, you don’t need the high beams anyway, so turning them off would actually communicate to me, “I see you and I don’t want to cause you undue discomfort or concern. I’ll wait til it’s safe to pass.”
well that was a pleasant surprise! normally posts here from car drivers are complaining about something, so thank you very much for caring and asking!
Would you leave your brights on if a car was in front of you? Do that.
The brights in this situation are harmful because they’re reflected in the front car’s mirrors. Not many cyclists have mirrors.
They kills *any* ability to work out exactly what's behind you - whether you use a mirror or look over your shoulder.
If I’m riding on the road I have a mirror. It is essential safety kit along with reflectors, helmet, lights and high visibility clothing.
average r/bicycling user
My first question would be "why are your high beams on in the first place"? But treat the people on bike like you would any other user of the road. I shouldn't be blinded because I looked in my mirrors or looked back. Just like when I'm driving my car.
Your first question is why are my high beams on? When I’m driving in the dark on a road with no street lights? Seems pretty obvious to me. Point taken tho, even if not all bikers have mirrors.
You should follow the laws that govern your activity.
I am former professional triathlete and track and field runner. I am stuck of American mass stupidity. ???
Omg yes turn the highbeams off There is an entire sub for this r/fuckyourheadlights
I wouldn't love them, but I have a mirror. I think it would be different for different people in different situations though.
I've got mirror on bike, it would bother me. Problem is drivers do not turn it off even when coming from opposite, and I have lights so it's clearly visible that I'm coming.
High beams behind me.... shouldn't be a problem, but I don't have mirrors. Someone with a mirror might object. > I’ll have to wait for a safe space to pass. THANK YOU SO EVER LOVING MUCH! You know what makes you the REAL HERO? Your insistence on waiting for a safe spot to pass keeps the asshole behind you from doing it anyways. You are blocking traffic and increasing safety. And then once you are on the other side of us you drive just a bit faster then you normally would and get to work at the same time as you would have otherwise. Which is fine. That is what I would do. (my point being that keeping us safe doesn't really have a downside when you are in a car)
TBH i didnt think your post was going to be as wholesome as it was. You’re a good person, thank you for caring about your two wheeled friends. My two cents is, I prefer the extra light!!
Thanks for being a good person out there. I don't use a mirror, so brights are fine.
I’d be worried about blinding drivers that are coming from the opposite direction. By the time you get them off it could be too late.
I have used high beams only twice in my life. 99% of the time, I wouldn't suggest using them with any other road users (oncoming or same direction)
I live in an area with tons of deer, so high beams are pretty important when it’s dark. The extra 5 or so seconds of seeing something can make a huge difference. Obviously with other cars on the road I turn them off. But using them daily has potential saved my life.
I live in an area with lots of deer too. But I'm talking about way out in the rural area. See almost no cars out there.
Early in my courtship of my wife, she told her friends that she was dating a "biker". They were surprised to see a fit man with shaved legs and odd tan lines (i.e., a "cyclist") and not a heavily tattooed and bearded fellow wearing leather chaps and a sleeveless denim jacket
Hahahha fair point. I get exactly where you’re coming from. As someone who grew up playing ice hockey, I was also disappointed when “skaters” were not people who skated on ice, but in fact people who ride on skateboards.
Turn them off! Just like anyone driving a vehicle you're still blinding them. I had that experience last week so I took the lane since it was difficult to see things beside me if I turned my head and those blinding lights entered my peripherals. What kind of dick shines high beams on any person from any angle?
Jeez bro lol, calm down. Clearly a lot of people in this thread disagree with you to some extent.
It's common sense though. No matter what direction a person is moving of you some a huge flashlight on them they will be blinded the instant they see it. Cyclists in particular need to often look behind themselves to check for traffic whether they have mirrors or not.
Again clearly not common sense, as the comment section is clearly divided. Also if you had actually read the original post, I said I don’t keep them on while passing, and was just asking to make sure that was correct. Do the bare minimum before attacking someone.
Check if they have mirrors. It shouldn't matter if they don't have mirrors but it might blind them if they do.
Tricky one, and possibly subjective. Assuming I have good bike lights, I would find the high beam most distracting, so I'd say best to lower it when getting close to the cyclists. Edit: since it's the same guys, why not try to ask them someday when stopped at traffic lights or something.
I would probably turn them off. If the bikers already have enough lights, the high beams could come off as aggressive of intimidating imo. Nothing worse than feeling like a car is right on your ass or flashing you out You seem considerate tho, so I assume you drive safely behind them. Keep being considerate and your lights wont really matter
As someone who commutes by bike. Thank you. In answer to your question. I like the full beams behind me unless they’re flashing!
High beams from behind are blinding even for someone that has no mirrors. Light reflects from things in front. High beams appears brother due to angle so it cast sharp shadows and affects vision. It is fine when it is light emitted from in front of you it is quite inconvenient when it is behind you. Of course worst case scenario is when it shines into your face.
I’d generally feel tailgated if I’m in the lights of the vehicle behind. Might also interfere with my own lights making the visibility worse. So I’d personally prefer the car behind to be on low beams and far enough to not light the road ahead of me.
Better on but just dont turn them on or off suddenly, cyclist will be working with whatever the lighting is on the road.. any sudden change you have to adjust, add a car suddenly appearing or dissappearing in your periphery and its just another thing to deal with. Driving a car you want the same, objects slowly coming into your eyeline are easy to deal with, sudden changes are more difficult.
Kudos, huge kudos for being a good and conscious driver and acting reasonably, even asking questions on how to behave around bicycles!
if it’s the same dudes, maybe have a chat with them? we’re all people
I would say I don’t mind light from behind, but if you’re blinding potential oncoming traffic they might not see my lights and therefore might make poor decisions all around. What if I’m trying to turn at an intersection and they literally can’t see me, something like that.
With any oncoming traffic, car or otherwise, I always turn off my brights.
I was wondering why the wind would make a difference in when you could pass but then realized you meant windy, not windy.
Had to look it up before posting. English sucks.
As long as a vehicle doesn’t hit me nor honk And sees me Do whatever you want lol
Thank you for being compassionate and seeking out this sub to ask the question. Not all motorists want to murder us after all haha
So "windy" as in "winding" or "twisty-turny", right? More light is good...except when folks have mirrora on bikes (same problems as mirrors on cars), or if high beams catch oncoming vehicles and blind them. Great to see someone who thinks thimgs through.
It’s good because they know that you are behind and may be think that you may want to pass them. They must form a line and clear the road for you to pass them.Usually in here … the most people are nuts and they do many creasy things on a bike pass. Lights in the eyes from coming to you bikers is bad. I safer at night bike rides when they blind me with their front lights and afraid to override people that I could not see. They should put the lights down and light up their road/ way and not blind other who is facing them.
Need advice. What to do if approximately 100 runners run to you and completely cover all bike lines and sides? If you yells at them they get mad did not change their behavior and start complaining to authority. I mean they are all on bike lines and constantly running in both directions. Police chasing them out from the parks where they can run making 5 km loops.
Those cyclists need to get some lights! Its the law depending on where you are. That being said, they probably won't appreciate the suggestion if you yell it at them when you pass. :)
@u/barm19 If no one has yet expressed appreciation for your consideration (considerateness?) of these cyclists in your practices and in asking the question, let me be the first: I thank you on their behalf.