You do not need more than two medium powered lights,
We’ll put that on your head stone. Maybe the rest of us can decide how many lights we feel are necessary and if someone who’s opinion matters (like the police) take exception to it I’m sure they’ll let us know.
it is more dangerous to dazzle other road users. There is a guy on my commute with a 100000 lumen head torch, I would push him into the ditch if I had a clue where he was
Is it? I’ve yet to encounter a rear light that was anything more than mildly irritating and only if you stare directly at them. Just back off a bit. Bright front lights can be annoying yes if they are shone directly at you and you look directly at them but a cyclist coming the other way….just don’t stare at it. They don’t render it impossible to see.
I used to commute through Belfast city centre and I used 3 very bright front lights on occasion (although normally 2) from a riders perspective the difference between using an inoffensive little light and something properly bright is profound. Drivers treat you with a tiny modicum of respect, and having a powerful helmet mounted light is invaluable for alerting drivers joining side roads to your presence.
I’ve passed the police dozens of times, never a word, but always an acknowledgement. I asked a traffic branch cop and keen cyclist if he was concerned his setup was too bright and he just laughed and thought the idea was absurd.