Use headlights in steady mode, not blinking. We have two reasons for this advice. First, we believe that it is much easier for other road/path users (not just motorists) to judge their distance from, and relative closing speed on a steady light source. This is crucial as the relative speed is the sum of the cyclist's and motorist's speeds, which reduces reaction time for the motorist. Also, flashing forward lights are generally reserved for emergency vehicles only, and we would hate to hear that a cyclist was found to be at fault when hit by a careless motorist simply because the cyclist's headlight was flashing, which is not the norm for any non-emergency vehicle.
That said, blinking rear lights are OK. The closing speed of a motorist overtaking a cyclist is reduced by the speed of that cyclist (we always assume the cyclist is travelling with the flow of traffic, as required by law). This gives the motorist more time to perceive the cyclist and avoid them. Also, many states, including Washington, specifically allow rear lights to blink/flash (there is no such allowance for headlights as far as we know).
Steady beam taillights are more than a fine idea for cyclists, for the same reasons of driver perception mentioned above for headlights.
Note, we are not lawyers but think that WA State requirement for rear lights, whether blinking or steady, is that they must be used in additionto a reflector, and not just in place of one. We are not aware of any cyclist being cited for using only a rear light, though. Read the laws here.
Posted via email from OlyBikes
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