Thursday 17 November 2011

Do you see the light?

The other evening I was about to set off home into the dark evening when I realised that I had done a very silly thing - left my front light at home!

Not wanting to miss out on the rest of my life, I decided to buy a new light before making my journey, so I headed to a place that I know does lights at reasonable prices.

When I got there I found nice set of LED lights, front and back and also another LED light that is on a wrist strap! Hah!  I have secretly wanted one of those for some time!

So I headed outside and rigged up the new lights.  From behind I now have 3 flashing LED lights - 1 on the bike and 2 on my rucksack - plus another one on my right arm which makes it clear when I am turning right, across the traffic.  If you are in one of those silly places where you drive on the wrong side of the road, think of when you are turning LEFT.  No excuses for not seeing me now!  I probably look like a small Christmas tree rattling along the road...

7 comments:

terri said...

Nice to know you are all lit up! :-) I hear people drive a little crazy over there! (Just kidding - I know people drive crazy EVERYWHERE!)

Being seen by drivers is a serious concern everywhere. My neighborhood is surrounded by an asphalt path that is frequented by walkers, bikers, etc. As it is now dark when leaving the house in the early morning hours and also when returning from work, I've realized I need to be very careful when entering my neighborhood. Yesterday when coming back from the gym, I could see a pair of legs walking up the path as I was about to cross it, but nothing else. The sweatpants were a light gray color, but all of the walker's other apparel was very dark and impossible to see. When someone is wearing all black or dark apparel, they are impossible to see when they are crossing the street where it intersects with the path. When we were kids, it was common practice for parents to put these iron-on reflective strips on our jackets, book bags etc. I wish people would still do that!

Everyday Goddess said...

hee hee, you're like your very own parade!

stay safe!!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear (read) that a bicyclist is taking the responsibility to light up their bicycle before riding at night. If only the bicyclists in my town were as considerate as you, sir.

Rock Chef said...

Terri - I fear that having reflective bits on you would not be considered Cool, and many people would rather risk death than loss of Coolness :-(

Everyday Goddess - I always try to!

Wigsf - My philosophy is that most car/truck/bus drivers would happily squish me if they could claim that they didn't see me. I won't give them that excuse...

Shrinky said...

I'm def investing in one of those arm/wrist lights for Mr. Shrinky, this Christmas - he cycles to work and back every week he's in London - thanks for the inspiration, I'm always struggling for gift ideas with him!

Rock Chef said...

Shrinky - I got mine in Asda for around £2, a real bargain IMO. Mr Shrinky? No, you need a better name for him than that!

agg79 said...

Glad to see you are thinking safety first. I can see you all lit up like a rolling Christmas Tree. Are they simple white LEDs or green and red like a proper Christmas tree?

I think you can top it all off with one more light on your head.