flashing bike lights & epilepsy

Is it a problem? Is a slow flash (~ 2 hrtz or less) better than a fast flash, or should we just use continuous lights?

Weirdly, I had this very thought today on the ride in to work

A slow regular flash is probably better than a light on Ibiza rave setting.

Both my stepsons suffered from Epilepsy when younger and it tended to be bright rapid flashing that made them feel weird (pre fit starting). If they stopped the flashing in time they’d be ok.

These people seem to have the answer.

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photosensitive-epilepsy/triggers

But really, just use steady lights and make the world a nicer place.

With my driving hat on (not flat cap), I have an issue with too slow flash rear lights if I’m driving. Blink or glance away for a second and I can (and have) miss them. Been suddenly surprised a few times by a bike I didn’t notice with slow flash lights (1 a second). Faster and I notice even out of the corner of my eye.

I prefer a nice bright static red light to follow though in unlit areas. Reflects off things and can be seen a mile away. Though in a congested lit or twilight area, flashing helps.

But how that effects epilepsy I don’t know. I have come across the odd few with crazy rapid flashing like a strobe light and felt that was very distracting myself and did think anyone with epilepsy might have a problem with it.

Front lights I’d go with static. I don’t see how people can see the road ahead with only a flashing front light. As a driver the rear view shows a light and that’s good enough to know someone’s there.

With my riding helmet on, static front and a flashing rear due to urban areas I ride and it’s about 3 or 4 flashes a second I guess.

I use a See.Sense with adaptable flashing technology. It can tell if  the driver behind is epileptic, or indeed, blind, like deadkenny and flashes accordingly. That’s what it said on the website anyway.

I don’t have epilepsy, but even then I feel like flashing front lights at night might give me a fit.  Flashing definitely for daytime only!

If I ever use flash it’s a slow blink in combination with a nonflashing rear, I never put a front on flash because it’s for the rider to see ahead. I tend not to bother with flash at all now.

I use a static and a fast flashing front and rear when it’s daylight, switch the flashing to pulsing when it gets dark. Flashing LEDs at night are horrendous.

I have epilepsy but luckily not light sensitive. My understanding though is that the flashing frequency has to be very high, more strobe like but seizure triggers are different for everyone.

Side note: I’ve only once had a seizure on the bike and luckily it only made for a comedy off road stack in to some thick nettles/brambles ! Tend to avoid busy roads and meds have me mostly under control. Have no choice but to bike everywhere as obviously can’t get a driving licence.