Many years ago, there was a device on the market that encouraged overtaking drivers to give you a bit more space. It consisted of a thin plastic arm, sticking out from the rear hub of your bike. On the end was mounted a red plastic disc, which may or may not have had a reflector on it. I decided that I could adapt this idea on night rides. This winter, I have done evening rides, usually with up to four other cyclists, at least once a week, and over a distance of ten or twelve miles.
I like to use two rear lights, one on the seat pillar, flashing and a fixed one elsewhere. This week, I attached the fixed one to a short piece of dowel mounted on the rear rack. It is thus mounted about eight inches to the right of the bikes center line. It projects about two inches less than my handlebar.
The idea is twofold. First, it looks unusual, secondly, a driver approaching from behind is likely to assume that it marks the center of your bike, and thus allow you a bit more room. I am also considering having two fixed rear lights, one one each side of the bike, each one projecting about eight inches from the center line. My theory is that unusual light ensure you are noticed.
I did have one driver who objected to my set up as I rode through town on a dual carriageway. He refused to overtake me, even though there was plenty of room, even without him changing lanes.I usually ride well to the left. He was continually sounding his horn. About a hundred yards further on I was turning off and expected him to follow me, Instead he just sounded his horn again, and shook his fist at me. What was his problem?
I like to use two rear lights, one on the seat pillar, flashing and a fixed one elsewhere. This week, I attached the fixed one to a short piece of dowel mounted on the rear rack. It is thus mounted about eight inches to the right of the bikes center line. It projects about two inches less than my handlebar.
The idea is twofold. First, it looks unusual, secondly, a driver approaching from behind is likely to assume that it marks the center of your bike, and thus allow you a bit more room. I am also considering having two fixed rear lights, one one each side of the bike, each one projecting about eight inches from the center line. My theory is that unusual light ensure you are noticed.
I did have one driver who objected to my set up as I rode through town on a dual carriageway. He refused to overtake me, even though there was plenty of room, even without him changing lanes.I usually ride well to the left. He was continually sounding his horn. About a hundred yards further on I was turning off and expected him to follow me, Instead he just sounded his horn again, and shook his fist at me. What was his problem?
