A lot of cyclists underestimate the value of bike lights when it comes to avoiding traffic accidents. Where the helmet will save your head if you get run down the bike lights might actually prevent the situation from occurring.
In 2004/2005 a large scale trial involving 4000 cyclists was conducted by the Danish city Odense. The purpose was to test the effect of daytime running lights on bikes. The results showed 32% less accidents over a year in the group cycling with daytime running lights. Even more impressive was that there were 40% less accidents in the summer time when cycling with daytime running lights. This is definitely food for thought.
At Reelight we supplied the daytime running lights used for the test. We were also wondering why people would cycle without lights. We were at least pleased to find that most cyclist don't choose to ride without lights. There just seems to be an endless list of reasons why it often happens. This was the starting point for our daytime running bike lights.
If cyclist could get a fixed mounted, battery free, non-friction/drag free bike light the problem would be solved. So that is was we made. If any of you here are interested in trying this out for yourself please feel free to contact me.
Glenn
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