Not this cyclist; the Brompton's an all weather machine. And yes it does have lights.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 30/10/2011 at 17:01

This might scandalise a motoring forum but I don't wear a helmet.

Cycling is slightly more risky than walking sober but considerably safer than walking half cut. I don't wear a helmet to come home from the pub and I don't wear one for normal cycling.

If I raced, or did downhill MTB, I might feel different but on the Brompton in London, the tourer round home or the MTB on trails I can't be bothered.

Lights are on the bars and onn the rear rack. A flashing rear on a backpack can improve visibility. Flashing fronts draw attention but make judging speed and relative movement difficult.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 30/10/2011 at 17:29

If you run into me and it's your fault then you are responsible. Your lawyers can claim contributory negligence. Mine, with the CTC behind them, will put the alternative point.

However, in most vehicle/cyclist collisions a helmet won't help. Thjey're actually pretty fragile things whose design limit is impact with the road at no more than 12mph. Death is from traumatic injuries sustained in the collision - not a blow to the head.

No lights no viz is a different thing to helmets. Got no time for ninjas; decent lights and a gilet are less than £20.

You wouldnt drive your car at night with no lights on (well some people do) so why should you use a bicycle with no lights at night? Thats what i always say to people. Im expecting this week to be a difficult one on the roads as the cyclists forget to take lights and high vis and get surprised its dark at 4.30, despite it happening every year they still get caught out somehow.

People with no lights on do annoy me, i was behind a Hyundai Atoz a few days ago when everybody else had their lights on at around 5pm except them. You want to get their attention to put them on but at the same time you dont want to flash them, dazzle them and make them crash.

The bike bit of tonight's journey was fine. Get in car at station and, just after crossing he ring road there's a ninja Golf on the d/c towards the M1. Invisible awful quick once the street lights run out !!

A bout of synchronised flashes eventually woke up the dozy burk and lights popped on.

Edited by Ben 10 on 01/11/2011 at 18:17

I think running round in black was last night's story Jamie!!

Edited by Bromptonaut on 01/11/2011 at 20:38

ITS DARK....

and approx 1 in 10 cars that i see have either a busted headlight or tail light...GRRRRR

Due to a previous local job I cycled to work for 3 years in all weathers. (8mile round trip) and used to run to work in the summer....

...in the end the bike had 3 front lights. 1x5w 1x10w 1x flashing led, and 2 rear red lights. (50% of the roads had no street lights) and a high viz jacket (highways agency approved).......got knocked off one winter....i was on the main village road 30limit and a car came out of a side turn....took me out and broke my elbow.....she said "sorry i didn't see you".........

yeh I use a bike helmet.....and so do my children...

you can judge road conditions, and general situations but theres always the unknown...just like when at a crossing and the little green man says its safe to cross the road,,,always make sure the cars/bikes have stopped fully before crossing the road,,,we've all seen cars go straight through......and thats outside the village school!!! think once think twice think total pratt.....

Bi xenons are very good this time of year. If someone sits with their foot on the break at junctions are at risk.... :-)