The light rack allows the flashlights to be tilted down when other people are encountered at night. The lights are held low, so obstacles like stones and animals cast longer shadows, visible from above. The lights are held forward, so they reflect less light to the rider, from the cables, fender, and tire. The light beams are angled slightly away from each other, to cover a wider horizontal area. The lights are held somewhat to either side, so the spokes and tire are more visible to animals, which otherwise are too complacent about approaching lights, maybe because animals are accustomed to sunlight flashing between leaves. For this reason, it might be useful to increase the distance between the lights, by lengthening the horizontal tube. Additional lights might be helpful to illuminate the bike and tires, again to alert animals. Frogs, toads, and snakes are the hardest to spot, and the least likely to move.

The vinyl tubing at the rear of the rack is intended to limit damage to the rider in the event of a crash. The horizontal tube rotates smoothly because there are pieces of polyethylene sheeting between the moving metal parts. The rack is held onto the handlebars by water-bottle-cage brackets, which include some rubber padding. The whole assembly flexes slightly, reducing shock on the LED flashlights. Although there still is a lot of shock, the light doesn't jiggle noticeably when the bike goes over small bumps. The two lights usually are operated at about 45 lumens each. Rechargeable NiMH batteries keep the operating cost low, prevent battery leaks, and make it practical to carry multiple spares. "Scotch" tape, which has a frosted Mylar backing, is placed over the flashlight lenses to diffuse the light moderately. Small strips of black gaffer's tape cover the perimeter of the Scotch tape, so stray light won't shine in the rider's eyes. Plugs of polyethylene foam fill the ends of the horizontal tube, to prevent wind noise. Several lock nuts with nylon inserts are used to avoid loosening from vibration. The flashlights are mounted in conduit clamps tightened by wing-nuts and padded with vinyl tubing; quick-releases for the flashlights might be useful additions. The bicycle is just an ordinary "comfort bike."
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P1000798 SPSuperNeutral 50% & SPDefault 50% Half Crop IvSharp12 IvQ85