![]() If you’re going to ride your bicycle in the dark then four pedal reflectors are required coloured amber, marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), and positioned so that one is plainly visible to the front and another to the rear of each pedal. There are a few bicycle light units that have reflectors included, so it would be sensible to buy one of these if you have no reflectors on your bike. ![]() One rear reflector is required, coloured red, marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), positioned centrally or offside (on the right-hand side of the bike), between 250mm and 900mm from the ground, at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind. The problem is that very few lights available in the UK market conform with BS6102/3.Ĭonfused? The current situation can be blamed on the fact that UK legislation isn’t up to speed with technological advancements or the effects of global markets. Since most flashing lights do also have a steady mode, they’re legal but not approved, so you’ll probably need another lamp that is. Technically speaking, any flashing lamp that is also capable of emitting a steady light is approved only if it conforms with BS6102/3 when switched to steady mode. Unfortunately it isn't as simple as it seems. Since 2005, flashing bicycle lights are permitted to be used as sole lights, provided the light flashes between 60 and 240 times per minute (1-4Hz). ![]() This is partly because the rear light does not have to illuminate the way forward, but also because our eyes react differently to red and white lights, so for example, a 50 lumen rear light appears to have similar brightness to a 200 lumen front light. You might have noticed that rear cycle lights tend to have much lower lumen outputs than front lights. If capable of emitting a steady light it must be marked as conforming to BS3648, or BS6102/3, or an equivalent EC standard.Īgain, the light must be fixed to the cycle. One is required, to show a red light, positioned centrally or offside (the right-hand side of the bike), between 350mm and 1,500mm from the ground, at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind. Join now to receive the rechargeable Cateye AMPP 200 Orb set worth £39.99. The free light set offered to new members of Cycling UK this autumn provides 200 lumens at the front: enough to light you up in town. What is a candela? Most lights are given an output in lumens: one candela approximates to 12 lumens, so tiny flashing lights which usually put out around 25 lumens aren’t enough on their own you’ll need at least two of them. Helmet lights can be useful but don't meet legal requirements when used alone. Note that the light must be fixed to the cycle. If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least 4 candelas. If capable of emitting a steady light, it must be marked as conforming to BS6102/3 or an equivalent EC standard. Front lampĪt least one lamp is required, showing a white light, positioned centrally or offside (the right-hand side of the bike), up to 1,500mm from the ground, aligned towards and visible from the front. So it's useful to be aware of the minimum legal requirements, especially as some of them are on the complicated side and some appear downright perplexing. However, if you’re involved in an accident at night, any slight irregularity could be challenged in court and may be regarded as ‘contributory negligence’ (a polite way of saying that the incident was partly your fault). It's very likely that just having a white light at the front and a red light at the rear will be enough to prevent any negative police attention. Lights are not needed when the cycle is stationary or being pushed along the roadside. Reflectors should also be fitted to pedals and the rear of the cycle. ![]() The most basic requirement of the law is to fit a white front light and a red rear light which must be clean and working properly, when cycling between sunset and sunrise. The law in this case is defined by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR) which are very detailed and have been updated many times since their introduction in 1989, with the most recent changes in 2017. But less straightforward is working out how to stay on the right side of the law when choosing lights and reflectors, knowing where to fit them and when to light up. Most people know that it is illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors.
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