I never intended for this to be a product review site, but it seems that lately every time I sit down to write, I'm talking about another piece of equipment. Be that as it may...When I first started riding on the road regularly, I bought a small $20 light for a headlight. It blinked rather obnoxiously but didn't really light much in areas where there wasn't a strong street light presence. In a random browsing trip through the Performance Bicycle shop on 45th in the U district, I saw the NiteRider halogen lights. No, I didn't plan on spending $80 on a light that day, but yes, I did. It has a battery that is attached to the frame with a heavy-duty velcro strap and the light itself mounted really easily on the handlebars. I was amazed at how much light it produced out of such a small system.So last night, on the way home around 9pm, I hopped on the Burke Gilman trail by Fremont and settled into cruise control. The moon wasn't full, but the night was so clear I decided to turn the light off. It was a beautiful ride and I kind of lost track of my pace, which was great.However, when I came off the trail for the long climb up 8th, I made the turn up the street and flew through the first intersection. I saw a car waiting to make a left turn move forward, then stop, then move again. The driver nodded to me and I nodded back, acknowledging his alertness. It was only then I realized I hadn't turned the light back on after the trail ride.It is really true, the importance of the headlight is to be SEEN as much or more than it is to see. Those drivers making left turns at night HAVE to know you're coming or they will rightfully think they are clear.Moonlit night or not, trail or not, I'm leaving the light on like Tom Bodett from now on. The risk of forgetting to turn it back on is too great a risk.Many thanks to the alert and friendly driver who saw me last night on 8th and Market and helped me remember my safety-first rule.Have fun out there...