Good idea or bad brake lights?

[Itchy]

When I stop at lights and nobody is behind me and I am stopped I tend not to hold the front brake but to pump it so that the rear ineffect flashes slowly.

My thoughts are eyes see this flashing better than a solid red light and may notice you rather than try to insert his car into your rear end and then apologise to you.

Is this a good idea?.(assuming the guy in the car behind is actually looking and not into his Ipod or something).

Since I've had a few close shaves where I hear through ear plugs the tyres howl behind me and they stop 1mm from my rear, even when it was a red light and I'd been waiting for some time.

Any thoughts?

Ta
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[5v3d3b0]

I tend to do that when I'm about to brake so people notice me, but when you're standing still..No idea. I dont's know what rules are like in the UK. Here in Spain we just filter through the cars right to the front and basically wait for the lights on the zebra crossing... So if they crash, its not into me.

[Project9928]

Personally I would just keep the brake light constantly on.

If you flash it slowly, the idiot behind you will probably think that your moving off as soon as the light goes off, not paying much attention and go into the back of you. But if you flash it fast it'll probably catch there attension but they will think your brake light is playing up.

A freind of mine in a full day glow suit, on a bright yellow SV650, an insanly loud exhaust and in bright daylight, still had someone go into the back of him and say "sorry didn't see you there."

Even if you had a big bright light, a 100ft x 100ft neon sign saying you've stopped and a loud speaker screaming that you stationary, someone will no doubt drive into the back of you and still say "sorry didn't see you there."

[krebsy]

Was taught on DAS:

When braking from 60 into a 30, it's best to flash the brake light once or twice then put on the brakes. makes it easier to those behind to see you are braking.

K.
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1280 x 1024.

[brooky]

I think this is a very good way to use the brake light to keep other road users alert.

I do it in particular on the main road just off my lane as I like to think it will make others realise I have actually stopped so they avoid ploughing into the back of my bike.

I wouldn't leave it on constantly as its much less likely to be recognised as a brake light as most people would probably think it was just the usual rear light and as such, Not take much notice.
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Suzuki GSX-R 750 K6.

[kawashima]

Instructors here teach to pull the brake lever twice to bump the front fork(a little bit) at 1st brake, and start braking from 2nd brake. I suspected if it's true, but it'll be more safe to notice the driver behind. After I took licence, I read pulling the lever suddenly will cause full bump of front fork, and thought the lesson was true.
I often check what type of car/driver behind me through mirror, and if I feel him/her unconfortable driver, I let it go first intentionally.
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own:2020 Serow 250
owned: 2012 YB125SP, 2008 TDM900, 2005 W650, 2002 LS125R, 2002 CB400SF, NS50F, C50 / Trip to UK(2009), Hokkaido touring(2013)

[metallninja]

I would strongly suggest using the rear brake when stationary.

Reason being, if you are rear ended whilst holding the rear brake - the bike will squat down to the rear,

as opposed to holding the front brake where it becomes the pivot of a longer lever and is more likely to send you over the front of the bike. Worst case scenario is you end up wearing the bike or become an unexpected passenger in the car in front.
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[Duckyboos]

I give the rear brake a few gentle taps if someone's getting a little too close to me, like I do in the car. I might start giving it a few taps when I'm slowing down too. I think this is a great idea.

[Syx]

[DEN MONKEY]

If Im last in a line of traffic at night I will tap the brake to make the light flash when a car is coming up behind me.
Until I can see them slowing up I will be ready to pin it and get the F out of there.

As said just sitting with the brake light on may be confused for a cars tail light.
Especially since I sit to the side of a car where there is the most room for a quick get away.

SO yes Im a flasher.
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meh

[irving]

>>

[Itchy]

they do but I was just more concerned about people going into the back of me and preventing this (people going into you) rather than say people going into you but you being less hurt.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[G]

I will usually try and do this when pushing the bike along a road with traffic on, usually with left indicator on as well. Most definitely when pushing it on a motorway where you have to get the bike in the lane due to a bridge or similar.