nights drawing in

[Jez]

The nights are slowly drawing in but it won't be too long before the clocks have to go back "ALREADY"

I don't want come over like a badgering buddy but can i just say to all who will be commuting to work on there bikes over the winter period to check that they have good lights fitted to there bikes. I see "just"! those that don't & my heart drops into my stomach. It's like letting a dog loose on a dual carriage way A good investment are indicator gloves. I have worn these for the last couple of years and because i feel the cold first thing, i also wear thin rubber gloves as a base layer for that extra warmth. The indicators are thumb & forefinger activated and show up a treat!! It's just a case of whether the car driver chooses to let you through though? These are no substitute for Powerful front and rear lights just an added aid to get cyclist about safely! just thought i should say. Safe & Happy Cycling- Jez

[Digiscoper62]

Certainly good advice

Another great safety aid is the Hi-Vis vest.
One thing I have noticed when surfing around some bike shops is the crazy price they want for Hi-Viz vests ! I mean with all outdoor workers having to wear them the market it swamped with them and a few quid buys you a good one were some cycling shops are still taking £10 or more

[goosey]

Originally Posted by Jez

The nights are slowly drawing in but it won't be too long before the clocks have to go back "ALREADY"
A good investment are indicator gloves. I have worn these for the last couple of years and because i feel the cold first thing, i also wear thin rubber gloves as a base layer for that extra warmth. The indicators are thumb & forefinger activated and show up a treat!!

I was just thinking that yesterday as the berries on the pyracantha appeared over night.
Back to bikes. I have never seen indicator gloves here - but what a good idea, I will look into it.
My two girls and I always cycle, I know how important good lights are. One got knocked off her bike last December whilst riding on a bike lane when a car driver opened a door onto her knocking her into the road. Luckily she was ok apart from being terribly shaken and bruised.She had her lights on.
Most noticeably during winter months, the police stake out routes close to schools and hand out 40 euro fines to all kids and adults without lights. Even so where bikes are such an integeral part of life here, you often see cyclists taking their lives in their hand without lights.
A funny tale to finish with. Last year when low slung trousers were in fashion for girls and short tops - a common sight were girls, with red flashing lights clipped on to their G-strings! At least they were noticeable but how many drivers were actually watching the road and not them!

[Jez]

So Glad to hear your child was okay. We cyclists are more prown to this type of accident happen during the dark nights. Hi Viz jackets are so good & Sustrans too, have three colours now on offer! I also have a Hi viz back pack cover which emitts powerfull flashing circles and proved to be popular my boss bought one for his wife and my brother also got one, But will have get me one of those G-string lights for back up

[Jez]

Goosey you might like to know that Halfords are selling an indicator set for bikes!

[goosey]

Thanks Jez, thats handy (excuse the pun ) as we have a Halfords in the next town so I'll pay a visit next time I go. Mind you I have never seen anybody use the indicator gloves here - and it would be great to set a trend!

[Jez]

Originally Posted by goosey

Thanks Jez, thats handy (excuse the pun ) as we have a Halfords in the next town so I'll pay a visit next time I go. Mind you I have never seen anybody use the indicator gloves here - and it would be great to set a trend!

Sorry these aren't gloves but a light system with indicators which is activated via a wireless control panel thats sits on your handle bars! Neat looking system!

[Digiscoper62]

The straps that you can put on your ankles and / or wrists seem like a good idea for dark o'clcock indicators, no batteries to worry about and very reflective.

[Jez]

Good thinking! I also have ankle straps too, i think i should be called Mr.Nightglo, but on my wrists being as lanky as i am!

[goosey]

Originally Posted by Jez

Sorry these aren't gloves but a light system with indicators which is activated via a wireless control panel thats sits on your handle bars! Neat looking system!

Originally Posted by Jez

A good investment are indicator gloves.

Silly me, I was thinking back to something else we were talking about earlier in the thread .

[Jez]

Originally Posted by goosey

Silly me, I was thinking back to something else we were talking about earlier in the thread .

No worries i didn't think you had lost the plot i should have explained better

[goosey]

Yesterday my daughter got back from Uni, her daily commute on the train, only to find her bike lights had been nicked! So she had to ride home with no lights in the dark. This time of year she leaves and gets home in the dark. So today she had my lights which meant I couldn't go out as early as usual, then the added expense of new lights. I have no idea how they got them off, the fittings are still intact someone knew exactly what they wanted .

[Jez]

Originally Posted by goosey

Yesterday my daughter got back from Uni, her daily commute on the train, only to find her bike lights had been nicked! So she had to ride home with no lights in the dark. This time of year she leaves and gets home in the dark. So today she had my lights which meant I couldn't go out as early as usual, then the added expense of new lights. I have no idea how they got them off, the fittings are still intact someone knew exactly what they wanted .

CATEYE lights are the best battery lights on the market in my opinion. Mount them to handle bars and the lights quickly release to take with you, stopping the mangy opportunist from having them. There very powerful single leds kick out brilliant brightness. I use these and have to travel down lanes where there the is no lighting! If you can afford them i'd recommend HL-EL530 fronts & TL-LD1000 tail light! So sorry to hear such bad news Goosey. I hope karma gets the better of who ever did this to your daughters bike. Always get a good lock too as theres plenty on the market and used by cyclists which can be broken in a jiffy. Go for a lock with Gold Secure rating for peace of mind.

Best Wishes

Jez

[kml]

Well said. I brought a set of indicator lights for my son last x-mas.They are really good,just got to go out and get another set as they were on his bike when it got stolen a few weeks ago.