| Topic: | Re:Bikes an scooters at night. | |
| Posted by: | Simon Hayes | |
| Date/Time: | 19/03/26 17:16:00 |
| How strange that our resident cycling enthusiasts haven’t leapt in to tell you the answer. This is from the Cycling UK website and it’s pretty clear: ‘ Lights You must have approved front and rear lights, lit, clean and working properly, when cycling between sunset and sunrise. ‘It’s no defence to say that it was past sunset but not yet dark. The legal lighting obligations for cyclists are determined by sunset and sunrise times, not ‘hours of darkness’, which start 30 minutes after sunset, end 30 minutes before sunrise, and dictate when motorists must switch from sidelights to headlights. ‘Cycling UK’s guide to cycle lighting regulations explains the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations in detail. In summary: you need a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, clearly visible and fixed to your bike. ‘A light obscured by a saddlebag isn’t legal and neither is a torch on your head, although there’s nothing to stop you using a head-torch as an optional or additional light. The regulations also now allow flashing lights, provided they flash between 60 and 240 times per minute (equivalent to between one and four times per second). ‘Optional or additional lights do not need to comply with the minimum lighting requirements. But you can’t have a red light at the front of your bike or a white light at the rear, so red white and blue flashing lights, as suggested to us a couple of weeks ago, are not an option. ‘Unlike with other vehicles, lights are not a legal requirement for cyclists during the daytime when there is seriously reduced visibility, but it can be a good idea to use them. ‘Reflectors ‘As with lights, the legal requirements for reflectors only apply between sunset and sunrise, and include a red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors, one at the front and rear of each pedal. ‘Common sense might suggest that replacing an amber pedal reflector with a reflective heel strip or ankle band might suffice. However, neither meets the legal requirements which pertain strictly to pedals. It’s an annoying problem for those who use certain makes of clipless pedals not designed with reflectors in mind, and an area of legislation in need of review.’ That’s pretty clear. As for e-scooters, private ones aren’t legally allowed to be ridden on public roads or pavements, so not having lights is a moot point. As ever, should some idiot be out in the dark trying to be invisible on his bike or scooter it’s his own fault if he’s open out by a large vehicle. |