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Comment by silentbicycle | Hacker News Reader

1. I don't know why I didn't check Instructables sooner. :) http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Glow:-Ground-Effects-Lig...

2. Barring unusual state laws, taking the lane is usually legal. IIRC, in Michigan the law says something handwavey about riding as far to the right as is safe and practical. I will generally take the lane (right lane if there's two, or a wide shoulder), but try to be cognizant of traffic buildup behind me. Riding in a manner that seems predictable to drivers contributes more to safety than following the law to the letter, anyway. Route choice probably also makes a big difference.

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1. That glow ground effect is pretty much what I was thinking, except, for the glow source to not be visible itself - you just see a mysterious glow from under the bike.

Easy enough to shade the sides (perhaps with a reflective surface, so as to not waste the light). Of course, being more visible makes it better - just doesn't look as cool (IMO).

But also, it doesn't give a sense of the space around the bike. That was the main idea I got from the original article, of a projected "lane" - it's not to make the bike more visible, but to display a cushion of space around it (a territory), so cars don't drive too close.

2. I meant it was illegal what I do (which is to ride between the parked cars and single lane of the road. Also a danger of a parked car's doors opening). I agree with your other points (esp route taken!)

1. That glow ground effect is pretty much what I was thinking, except, for the glow source to not be visible itself - you just see a mysterious glow from under the bike.

Easy enough to shade the sides (perhaps with a reflective surface, so as to not waste the light). Of course, being more visible makes it better - just doesn't look as cool (IMO).

2. I meant it was illegal what I do (which is to ride between the parked cars and single lane of the road. Also a danger of a parked car's doors opening. I agree with your other points (esp route taken!)

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