Posts Tagged ‘Bike lights’

Rules of the Road: Detroit in 1900

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Harry Sale, Norfolk, VirginiaThere were certainly fewer rules for Detroit cyclists in July 1900. Unlike today, bells and lights were not required on bicycles.

However there was a common speed limit of 12 miles per hour (and 8 MPH around corners.) This speed limit was lower than Grand Rapids (15 MPH) but higher than Chicago’s (10 MPH.) In Des Moines, Iowa the speed limit was “a moderate gait,” which makes one think these limits were originally set for horses.

Given the road conditions in 1900, these speed limits may have been reasonable. The Michigan LAW didn’t seem to take issue with Detroit’s limits.

The League of American Wheelmen (LAW) also made these suggestions.

Wheelmen will find it advantageous as a precaution against arrest to govern themselves in accordance with the following suggestions covering points on which some cities have legislated and others have not

  • Keep to the right
  • Ride no more than two abreast
  • Keep off the sidewalks
  • Move cautiously around corners
  • Ride straight keep your wheel under control sit so you have a clear view of the road and keep at least one hand on the handle bar
  • Before riding on a cycle path, find out whether or not you are entitled to use it without buying a license tag
  • If you collide with another wheelman or a pedestrian, dismount, and if he asks for your name and address, give it

Being a More Visible Bicyclist

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

Bicyclists not being seen by drivers is a major cause of crashes.  That’s especially true this time of year with the shorter days and Daylight Saving Time.

MDOT recently issued a related press release:

“Drivers should always pay close attention and look out for other users of our roadways,” said MDOT Director Kirk T. Steudle. “In addition, pedestrians and bicyclists should wear bright and/or reflective clothing to significantly improve the likelihood of being noticed by motorists.”

Increasing ones visibility doesn’t have to be all that expensive.  Wearing brighter clothes with reflective strips and adding bike lights are a good start.  Those rear red LED blinky lights are almost a necessity.

Momentum Magazine has created a cheesy but fun video about getting more visible.  Note that the video production lighting was powered solely by bike lights.

Presented by: VACC, B:C:Clettes and Momentum Magazine
Videography by Gwendal Castellan and Dave Niddrie

Visibility accessories generously donated by:

  • Halolux – Halolight Bicycle Helmets and Haloracer Bike Illumination Light
  • Monkeylectric – Monkeylectric Monkey Light
  • Rock the Bike– Down Low Glow Lights
  • Sweetskinz – Reflective Coloured Tires
  • Knog – Frog, Gecko and Gator Lights
  • Hutchinson – Reflex Reflective Tires
  • Lazer -Urbanize Helmets