Petition For Parliament

[Rubyrose]

Hi all,

Not sure if I chose the right category, but let’s see.

I have Photosensitive Epilepsy but haven’t had a seizure in over 15yrs so I am able to drive. However I struggle when I see cyclists with flashing strobe lights on their bikes, coming towards me in the dark.

I have started a petition to ask for parliament to make it a rule that the cyclists can’t have light flashing above a certain frequency, as not to cause seizures.

I’d be grateful if anyone could sign it.

Click this link to sign the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/575687/sponsors/new?token=WTHBOsgzSyKOqAvthKTX

[TheChair]

Seems only common sense. I've signed.

[bednobs]

when you say "you struggle" what do you mean? Surely if it triggers a fit you shouldnt be driving?

[ubasses]

Signed, my Mum had post stroke epilepsy and was unable to go to any parties etc where there were any flashing lights.

[dannyk13]

Signed.

[vulcan42]

Signed. Personally I think they should be banned altogether, the front light is there so the cyclist can see where they're going and should be on permanently, not flashing.

[Rubyrose]

Firstly I’m legally allowed to drive as it’s been over 2yrs since I’ve had a seizure. I struggle if the lights are flashing above a certain frequency, hence why I am not asking to have them banned, I am asking them to make it illegal to have strobes. Flashing lights are fine if the flash frequency is lower. It would still be safe for cyclists as they would still have a light flashing, but it would also mean I don’t feel dizzy when driving towards them.

[ladybirder]

Two years or 15 years since you had your last seizure RR?
What are strobe lights on a bike for, is it to show off?
If so, and they can cause other drivers/cyclists to have seizures, I think they should be banned altogether.

[bednobs]

I didn't mean to seem rude, but I was just curious as to what your struggles were, given that bike lights are still currently allowed to flash. It would be worrying if they triggered a fit in you (which your question made it sound like they could)

[dannyk13]

Why is there a need for cyclists to be able to flash their lights?

[Atheist]

Vulcan; cycle lights very rarely serve to illuminate the road for the cyclists' benefit. On the whole their function is to make the cyclist visible to other road users. Cycling in traffic is dangerous, especially so at night.

[THECORBYLOON]

Flashing lights are allowed as long as the rate is between sixty and 240 times minute but I don't know what the advantage is over a steady light.

[Lie-in King]

Signed.

[ubasses]

Ladybird - RR is saying that she has not had a seizure for 15 years, but she could have her licence back because that period is over 2 years. She may have been driving for the past 13 years.

[ToraToraTora]

danny: "Why is there a need for cyclists to be able to flash their lights? " - so they get noticed by myopic motorists.

[jackthehat]

I have signed it, too.

[ToraToraTora]

the problem is, ruby, that, the frequency that they set off epileptics will not be the same for all so the law cannot effectively be framed.

[ToraToraTora]

TCL: "Flashing lights are allowed as long as the rate is between sixty and 240 times minute but I don't know what the advantage is over a steady light. " - humans notice things when they change so a flashing light will get picked out against a background of other things better than a non flashing one will. They are especially good in street lit areas. In the pitch black they'd have a nightsun light or something similar.

[Mamyalynne]

Signed.

[ToraToraTora]

here's an article:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2414170/buying-bike-lights-need-to-know#close
//On the other hand, research shows that solid light isn’t as good at capturing our attention, making it a less optimal setting for a taillight or a be-seen headlight. According to Heather Nenov, an ophthalmologist from Stein Optometric Center, light entering the eye at a consistent brightness activates photoreceptors at the back of the eye. However, when light enters the eye in flashes, it activates those photoreceptors repeatedly and can activate more of them. “Think car-brake lights,” she says. “It’s the contrast that catches our attention more than if they were just on continuously.” //

[Old_Geezer]

I think they ought not flash below a certain frequency. Look, no light, look the other way, presumably light flashed, look back again, no light. Invisible cyclist then blames others if a situation arises.