Optical signal attenuation due to bends in an optical fiber (12) is measured by bending a segment of the optical fiber (12) into the shape of interest, measuring the attenuation in that segment, propagating the bent region along the length of the optical fiber (12), and repeating the measurement. The attenuation as a function of the position of the bent segment along the length of the optical fiber (12) is thereby measured. The approach is of particular interest in determining peel point bending loses along the length of the optical fiber (12) to identify areas of signal transmission.