Rear bike lights (beyond red blinker)

[SharpGuy]

I have the standard red blinker light on back of my bike, but am looking for something additional to make myself more noticeable to cars at night from the rear (bike already has reflective tape, I wear reflective vest, etc).   Possibly looking for addition lights (strip of LEDs?) that preferably are removable (so that they don't get stolen) and rechargeable.     Any suggestions?   Budget is roughly $30 or less.

Thanks

[SimpleCycle]

I would add a rear light to your helmet.

Serfas Helmet Safety Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FVT5HSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_w5yxzbR6QVNM0

Ultra Bright Bike Light Blitzu Cyborg 168T USB Rechargeable Bicycle Tail Light. Red High Intensity Rear LED Accessories Fits On Any Road Bikes, Helmets. Easy To Install for Cycling Safety Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015IEJ0GC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bfzxzbV13CSCV

[SimpleCycle]

Also, on my commuter I have two rear blinkes - one on the seat post and one on my rear fender.  Both are Planet Bike Superflash lights.

[trashmanz]

I have this: OxyLED Bike Light,USB Rechargeable Bicycle Tail Light, Mountain Bike Tail Light, Cycle Tail Light, LED Bike Tail Light,8 LED Taillight & 2 Laser Safet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LATA3NS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_KSNsMmwRCFWsh

Got it for $5 after a coupon.  Puts out the std light but also shoots out lasers on the left and right on the floor that rebellious drivers give you space. At least that's the theory.  Pretty cool for the price.

[shuffler]

I am looking for something additional to make myself more noticeable to cars at night from the rear (bike already has reflective tape, I wear reflective vest, etc).

Reflective ankle bands.
The up/down motion of your pedal stroke communicates "this is a bike" to cars pretty effectively.

[Rubic]

Reflective ankle bands.
The up/down motion of your pedal stroke communicates "this is a bike" to cars pretty effectively.

+1

We make these mandatory for our group night rides.  I usually have
spares to loan in case anyone forgets to bring them.

Reflective angle bands are also useful for commuting in long pants,
to protect the pant legs from snagging in the chain.

[sol]

While the above ideas are all good ones, I would suggest that most people have stopped recommending the Planetbike Superflash in favor of the Cygolite Hotshot.  They're about the same ($30) price point, but the hotshot is brighter, more durable, and rechargable by USB cable.  I use both on my commuter bike, but the superflash has been demoted to my backup light.

Also of note, if you're using one of the $5 red blinkers that are so ubiquitous these days, you're not really lit up.  Both the superflash and the hotshot put those things to shame.   You could have ten $5 red blinkers on your bike and you'd be less visible than using just one of these rear lights.  I really think they're worth the extra money.

[SimpleCycle]

While the above ideas are all good ones, I would suggest that most people have stopped recommending the Planetbike Superflash in favor of the Cygolite Hotshot.  They're about the same ($30) price point, but the hotshot is brighter, more durable, and rechargable by USB cable.  I use both on my commuter bike, but the superflash has been demoted to my backup light.

Also of note, if you're using one of the $5 red blinkers that are so ubiquitous these days, you're not really lit up.  Both the superflash and the hotshot put those things to shame.   You could have ten $5 red blinkers on your bike and you'd be less visible than using just one of these rear lights.  I really think they're worth the extra money.

Good to know.  I've had the superflashes for...a while.  7 years?  I suspect I should replace them since light technology has improved so much in that time.

[Rubic]

While the above ideas are all good ones, I would suggest that most people have stopped
recommending the Planetbike Superflash in favor of the Cygolite Hotshot.  They're about
the same ($30) price point, but the hotshot is brighter, more durable, and rechargable by
USB cable.  I use both on my commuter bike, but the superflash has been demoted to
my backup light.

I've also stopped recommending the Planetbike Superflash because of failure to
keep the electronics dry in a heavy downpour.  I'm using plumbers tape to seal
my remaining light, but it must be replaced every time I change the batteries.

I agree that a helmet taillight is a good addition for commuting, provided you
have the appropriate helmet to attach it to.  (Some helmet designs don't make
a good fit for a taillight.)

[Cycling Stache]

I too gave up on the Turbo Flash.  Rain kills them.  I was riding with a Ziploc bag around it at one point.

I recommend the NiteRider Solas.  It lasts days, recharges with UBS, and is VERY bright.  Maybe a little more than others, but you will not need another rear light.  I ride 5-6 days per week with groups early morning, and I'm never worried about it. 

I do not use the NiteRider front light anymore because the light would slide off the holder.  They now make a micro light that might be better, but I switched to the Metro Cygolite, and it's been good.  Also recharges through UBS.

Spend the money to get good lights.  Both a good front and back might cost you $70.  Absolutely worth it.  You don't want to worry about seeing or being seen.   

[TrMama]

I have:

1. two of these, https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5025-535/Plasma-USB-Red-LED-Rear-Light. One mounted on the seat post and the other on the left chainstay.
2. a red blinkie built into the back of my helmet
3. a yellow safety vest
4. reflective tape on my rear fender and frame
5. reflective tape on my shoe covers. Works because I only bike in the dark in the winter when these are necessary for staying warm and dry.
6. two blinking white lights on the front.

All the lights blink out of synch. Multiple lights allow for one or two dead batteries before you become invisible.