Conference noted::bicycle

    I got one that fits in a pocket on the back of a knapsack.  It is
    BLINDingly bright.  I don't know if it's a _Belt Beacon_.  It has one
    of those flat, thin, lithium? batteries that's supposed to last 5
    years or something.

    I think I saw one on the back of a rider in the Race Across America.

The one mentioned in .1 ain't the REAL Belt Beacon - see 10.17 for 
details. I like mine a lot. They use 9V alkaline batteries...

                                            ken

    
    	I saw the type mentioned in .1 at a clearance counter in Marshalls
    dept store in Marlborough a couple of years ago.  It slipped into
    a neat little pocket on the back of a (cheeeeeep) back pack.  Since
    I don't ride with a back pack it didn't interest me much beyond
    the curiosity level.  I also thought it might be yet another
    car_driver_aggravation_device that would eventually get someone
    run off the road.

    	Someone told me a couple of years ago how the (genuine) belt
    beacon works.  Apparently car drivers associate the flashing yellow
    with pot-hole markers that towns *OCCASIONALLY* use.  There is enough
    experience in most drivers to know that the actual pot-hole is probably
    yards from the marker, they also know how expensive front end work
    can be, so they give it *LOTS* of clearance.  Seems their reactions
    cut in before they realize that the belt beacon is moving and they
    actually miss the cyclist due to fear of trashing their front
    suspension parts.  How aggravated do they get when they realize that
    they didn't need to slow/swerve for a mere cyclist ?   I couldn't
    say, but I suspect it tweeks 'em a bit.
    
	Reg
    

    RE .2  How many hours of use does the 9 volt battery give?
    
    RE .3  If imitating a pot hole makes us safer on the road, then
           that's fine with me!  :^)
    
    Think I'll order one.      Thanks for the replies.
    
    Cheers,
    Denis
    

I agree with some of Reg's thoughts.

I have, in driving a car, been fooled by the belt beacon.  Its
flashing makes me assume it's probably stationary, even as a
cyclist. 

I use a visible steady red light on the rear of my bikes.  This is
the norm for all vehicles on the road, so I think this is the most
effective. 

Other notes describe battery and generator systems, you may want to
check them out.  I have been happy with the Soubitez bottom bracket
generator system. 


	~Mike

Batteries seem to last quite a while. They are a bit aggravating to change,
but I typically change them only about once a year, I'd guess. Maybe 40
or more hours? I've really never timed it.... the battery trickles into
a little capacitor, which then does the flash, so little current seems to be
used compared to a "flasher" type circuit. As far as the above description,
have mercy, guys, I'm a SOFTWARE engineer.....

I use two BBs, so I really look like a mobile construction zone. My former
cycling partner used 2 also, so I got the chance to observe the effects
myself - liked it a lot better than one. I've had motorists tell me that
it was really effective and that THEY liked it. Neither of us ever got hit
on dark Washington DC commuting mornings.... that was reserved for 
afternoons.
                                                    ken

    I avoid riding at night.  The Belt Beacon is for use in the daytime
    only.  I can see what you mean, Reg, how using a Belt Beacon at
    night could give the illusion of being stationary.  If I did ride
    at night, a steady light would be the way to go; however, it would
    not be very effective during the day.  
    
    Regards,
    Denis

    The ultimate belt beacon ...
    
    Not only does it have a flashing light, but it includes a real pothole
    to drag behind your bike.
    
    :-) Dave