Bicycle Turn Signals

[Lazarus]

Has anybody tried these? I think it might be a good idea for night but I'm just thinking that the lights are so close together that it really would not help much. Plus with addtional blinkies the signals might get washed out.

If you were in a car coming up behind a cyclist do you think you would see the light and would you figure out what the yellow blinking light meant?

[jamesqf]

All I know is that a cyclist who depends on drivers to see his turn signals and give him the right of way is soon going to be guest of honor at a funeral.

[Ryland]

You are way better off assuming that no one behind you sees you, I have a rear blinky light that hurts to look at from Planet Bike, it's great, but I always look behind me before turning left and a signal, if someone doesn't see your arm sticking straight left in front of them on a bike with a bright blinky light then nothing is going to stop them from running in to you.
of course I tend to also use my blinky light any time there is much traffic.

[Piwoslaw]

I think a driver may notice something yellow blinking, but the left and right lights are too close together to discern from far away. Most important, drivers aren't used to turn signals on bicycles, so you can't count on them knowing what is blinking and why.

[Bicycle Bob]

I used 12 w bulbs from 3rd brake light units for turn signals on my velomobile. They were roof mounted to show to front and rear with good separation, and had reflectors to concentrate the light to front and rear. They still washed out in sunlight, generating one known complalint.

[Grant-53]

I have used a leg light for visibility at night and the up and down motion identifies me as a cyclist. A red four lamp sequential signal would be ideal. Amber turn signals with a red center would be better than a hand signal at night. I suggest red turn signals and two running lights 20" to 24" apart plus reflectors. Yes, I used to sell lighting equipment for trucks

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

Amber turn signals with a red center would be better than a hand signal at night.

If my memory isn't that bad yet, then I believe I remember reading in a North Carolina driver's ed booklet something like:

The intention to turn should be signalled either by using hand signals or flashing light signals. At night it is suggested that flashing light signals be used.

This was less than 10 years ago.

[Grant-53]

You are quite correct and many states would have similar laws or guidelines. Reading owners manuals, state motor vehicle law, and regulatory documents of any kind can be daunting. Many have not been updated in decades because it takes decades for people to get around to noticing them and almost as long to pass the legislation. New York state has been more than 10 years trying to pass electric bike legislation - other things take up their time.
I worked as a document control officer for a company making rail car components. Some contracts still specified US Air Force standards for laminated plywood written in 1964. My favorite is the warning in a Mercedes Benz owners manual: "We do not recommend driving this vehicle faster than 90 mph in the snow or rail." Must be 80 mph is safe enough.
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