I submit that on or about Thu, 25 Aug 2005 03:08:03 GMT, the person
known to the court as SMS made a statement
in Your Honour's bundle) to
the following effect:

Naturally, since you apparently sincerely
believe that you are one of Earth's greatest experts on everything, it
is inconceivable that your cherished beliefs could be anything less
than Revealed Truth.

Beliefs need to be based on more than what you wish were true, or what
you have personally experienced.

Indeed. Which is why the likes of Frank and I have repeatedly asked
you to cite some actual evidence to support your idea that certain
types of lighting system are unsafe. Thus far you have consistently
failed to do so.

If you want to base your beliefs on lighting, on the lack of statistics
that compare accidents, injuries, and fatalities versus no lighting, 3W
lighting, and more powerful lighting, then indeed you could come to the
conclusion that you so desperately desire. But basing your conclusion on
the lack of statistics is not proof of anything. Where there are no
statistics, you have to look at other ways of determining the optimal
equipment.

Which would make sense if it wasn't for the fact that /you/ are the
one making the assertions, therefore /you/ are the one who bears the
burden of proof.

So, you state that certain types of lighting system are inadequate,
but you appear to base that solely on personal prejudice. You say
personal experience and opinion count for nothing, but the only backup
you've provided thus far is selectively quoting those whose opinions
agree with you, while making disparaging remarks about those who
disagree (such as manufacturers of city bikes and Audax UK).

Where is the externally verifiable evidence which you acknowledge
above is necessary?

As it happens I am not aware of any conclusive evidence that lights
make any difference at all to safety, let alone dynamo vs.
rechargeable lights, so I'd be interested to see the citations on
this.

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

85% of helmet statistics are made up, 69% of them at CHS, Puget Sound