As an old fart. Bike Lighting in the 80s. Not seeing well may be understandable, but most were more then able to avoid what at the time were rarer parked cars. Excessive shopping carts dumped along cycle tracks etc etc.

Given how insanely good available bike lights are now. Not to mention cheap to buy and power. Compared to the tungston bulbs and D-cell batts of then. There really is no excuse. For poor lighting.

We never really had reflective clothing then. But police would pull you over for no lights. Travelling any distance at night without lights was really not an option. At least in a urban area.