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Garmin Varia Light Flash Pattern Ban Extended in EU (the5krunner.com)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/bicycling

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Are there studies on whether flashing patterns are better for night time visibility than steady? I think flashing patterns at least in part were introduced with the very first battery powered lights because batteries had low capacity and LEDs consumed more power. Steady light on a 2x NiMH lasted just several hours. Things are different these days. Most lights have high density LiIon cells and efficient LEDs making steady operation practical, especially at the rear.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Are there studies on whether flashing patterns are better for night time visibility than steady?

Yes, there are. Blinking is much more visible.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 days ago

For anyone who wouldn't spare a click:

The study found the flashing light was far superior on the straight road, allowing detection of the rider from three times the distance of the steady light. This equated to detection 82m sooner, on average.

Also, ooof:

In addition, participants from this study commented that the steady light looked like a motorcyclist from a distance, while the flashing light enabled them to identify the road user as a cyclist sooner.