Post by Madhatter on May 9, 2012 12:01:35 GMT
Be legal, be seen!
is important to make sure that your lights are functioning. You must use
lights on your bike when riding on a public road, cycle path or public place
between sunset and sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility during the
day.
There are two primary reasons for having bike lights: To be legal and to be
seen.
Parents, have you checked your child’s bike lights? How would you feel if
there was a preventable injury and it was all for a few minutes of our time and
a few pounds?
To be legal ... The law says bikes must have lights. In order to be legal the
lights must be correctly positioned – and must generally meet BS 6102/3 or
an equivalent European standard.
Flashing lights are only legal as the primary light if they flash between 660
and 240 times a minute with even flashes, emit at least 4 candela, and…have
BS or equivalent approval. Remember – they are useless for seeing where
you are going outside street lit areas.
Legally, you MUST have a red reflector to the rear of the cycle and amber
reflectors fitted to the front and back of both pedals.
To be seen ... It is better to be safe than sorry! If you were in an accident how
would you feel? How would your friends and family feel? How much might
it cost to replace your broken bike?
As well as lights, remember light-coloured or high-visibility clothing also
helps, as do extra lights, reflectors and reflective material.
So, set a good example – it doesn’t do cycling good for cyclists to be branded
as law-breakers who cannot even bother to have working lights. And don’t
forget spare bulbs and batteries!
Information obtained with thanks from Cambridge Cycling Campaign.
Further information can be obtained from
www.camcycle.org.uk/resourses/lights/
is important to make sure that your lights are functioning. You must use
lights on your bike when riding on a public road, cycle path or public place
between sunset and sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility during the
day.
There are two primary reasons for having bike lights: To be legal and to be
seen.
Parents, have you checked your child’s bike lights? How would you feel if
there was a preventable injury and it was all for a few minutes of our time and
a few pounds?
To be legal ... The law says bikes must have lights. In order to be legal the
lights must be correctly positioned – and must generally meet BS 6102/3 or
an equivalent European standard.
Flashing lights are only legal as the primary light if they flash between 660
and 240 times a minute with even flashes, emit at least 4 candela, and…have
BS or equivalent approval. Remember – they are useless for seeing where
you are going outside street lit areas.
Legally, you MUST have a red reflector to the rear of the cycle and amber
reflectors fitted to the front and back of both pedals.
To be seen ... It is better to be safe than sorry! If you were in an accident how
would you feel? How would your friends and family feel? How much might
it cost to replace your broken bike?
As well as lights, remember light-coloured or high-visibility clothing also
helps, as do extra lights, reflectors and reflective material.
So, set a good example – it doesn’t do cycling good for cyclists to be branded
as law-breakers who cannot even bother to have working lights. And don’t
forget spare bulbs and batteries!
Information obtained with thanks from Cambridge Cycling Campaign.
Further information can be obtained from
www.camcycle.org.uk/resourses/lights/
