People......PLEASE !!!!!
 

For the active folks who are walking and jogging in the early morning (read that as in the dark) - for gosh sakes - carry a flashlight or wear some form of lighting gadget or at least put on a reflective vest.

If one is walking in the dark while wearing dark clothing - I as a bicyclist can not see you. I don't have a 12 volt headlight on my bike revealing dark objects 150 feet in front of me.

As part of my 20 mile bike loop I travel along CHURCHILL DOWNS between 5 and 6 a.m. There are street lights and ambient light along that road but there are also MANY pockets of absolute pure DARKNESS.

Over this past weekend I encountered 3 individuals walking along the MMP who perfectly blended in with the darkness.

I'm traveling along at 12 mph with white blinky lights on the front of my bike and a red blinky on the rear. My white lights do not illuminate anything - they are eye catchers for others to see me.

I'm coming up from behind - you don't see my lights and my bike is quiet - you are camouflaged in the darkness - I may or may not be able to see you.

Don't chance an unwelcomed intersection between you and me.

If you walk, jog, rollerblade, skate or longboard in the dark - make sure you can be seen by those in front and in back of you.

The majority of folks I encounter in the early a.m. are highly visible - thanks to all who are.

For those who aren't - use a smidge of common sense and light yourself up. It's about safety - be safe!

Great reminder.

Good reminder.

Personally when I am out in the dark I like to sing and that keeps people well away from me.

I’d try that but I can’t sing cause I’m constantly gasping....

Quote: I don't have a 12 volt headlight on my bike revealing dark objects 150 feet in front of me.

-and-

My white lights do not illuminate anything - they are eye catchers for others.

end quotes


While I agree that everyone should make themselves visible it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to have a headlight. It is LAW in Florida. Your light must be visible 500 feet away, here is the statute.


Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine

Please don't risk your assets, if you hit anyone, driving as you described it is YOUR fault.

Yes and specifically from FL 316.2065 Para 7: Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear.

Not sure if this only applies to driving on roadways though.

Please get a light for your bike or stop riding in the dark. You expect the world to get out of your way. It is not likely to happen. But you are right, people in the dark, including riders should wear something white, a cap, a scarf anything to be seen.

A light that is visible from 500 feet is not necessarily illuminating objects at 500 feet enough to be seen from that distance. We can see the stars but they don't offer very much light for us to see.

But I agree. If you're going to ride a bicycle in the dark it is your responsibility to have a light that enables you to see far enough to not be a danger to pedestrians.

Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night may be stupid, but they are not going to be held responsible if they are hit by a bicycle.

Being seen for 500 feet and illuminating so you can see 500 feet are two totally different things. The first is Florida law for bicyclists.

Read carefully....”white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet...”

My 2 white blinky lights are visible from 500 feet or farther. I’m in compliance with that.

They do not illuminate like a car’s headlight. I will not see someone 20 feet ahead of me in the darkness - but I will be seen from 500 feet plus.

Being visible and illuminating a path are two different concepts. Think match versus flashlight.

When I posted this statute I was certain the forum regulars would post comments like yours. It would not matter in a civil case, you would be negligent. I could easily get a statement from the winky light manufacturer that it was not intended to illuminate your path.

Let me be blunt: Your problem of not seeing people needs to be addressed by YOU.

Try:
On your right!
Coming behind you!
YO! WATCH YOUR LEFT.!
coming through!
Watch you backs!

Or Wear a whistle around you neck

I thought walkers were supposed to walk facing traffic. That only makes common sense. I want to be able to see what is coming toward me. People approaching from the rear are not visible. And if you are walking at night, you most definitely need to wear something that is visible in the dark. Also common sense!

If you do go to court, I hope you're clearer in your presentation. I can't even figure out which side of the case you're arguing. :D

While I concur with the spirit of your safety reminder, wearing a reflective vest will not help unless it is illuminated by the other person's light.

Wear light-colored clothing or carry a flashlight.