Lights

pedalpower
pedalpower Posts: 138
edited December 2007 in Commuting chat
I was looking for some new lights and wondering if there's any point getting BS approved ones. In the event of a legal dispute with another road user, will it make much difference that my lights were legal?
If so, does that still leave the cat eye el300 (front) and AU100 (rear) as about the only LED options? Cat eye don't even feature them on their website any more although its still easy enough to get hold of them.

Comments

  • tri-x
    tri-x Posts: 10
    Money might be better spent joining the CTC to get their legal insurance.

    http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3490[/url]
  • Cunobelin
    Cunobelin Posts: 11,792
    THe law is a little dodgy here, as it xclues many lights as they do not comply with the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations.

    It is possible for half the light to comply as well!

    The AU100 in an early incarnation was a legal reflector, but illegal light!

    The answer for many is to have a set of legal lights and then "supplement" these with a better quality set for vision and visibility.
    <b><i>He that buys land buys many stones.
    He that buys flesh buys many bones.
    He that buys eggs buys many shells,
    But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.</b></i>
    (Unattributed Trad.)
  • mikeitup
    mikeitup Posts: 99
    I currently am using a Topeak redlite/whitelight set but am about to order an AYUP road kit as I do alot of night rides on lit roads and dark winding lanes.
    The topeak whitelight is ok for being seen but crap for lighting the way in the dark. I am using a torch type from lidl at the mo with the topeak but it is still not enough light.
    The AYUPS are a steal at £116 inc shipping
    <a><img></a>
  • pedalpower
    pedalpower Posts: 138
    But in terms of the law? Does anyone worry about it? Isn't it a concern if you ever get hit by a car that a defence lawer would use the fact your lights aren't British standard to help get the driver off?
  • Yellow Cliff
    Yellow Cliff Posts: 231
    I have BS lights as my secondary lights just to make sure that there is no issue about them if I get involved in an accident. Many people argue that this isn't necessary, but I don't want to take any risk or make a legal claim more difficult for the sake of a few extra lights.

    Eurolights make cheap BS lights (don't use their online ordering though - it wasn't secure when I tried, they do accept postal orders). Or there are the Cateye ones. I personally think that it is always worth having 2 sets of lights on - incase the batteries go or the light fails, so I find it no bother that the second set are British Standard.
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    Hi guys, sorry if this has been covered before but my mate was round yesterday and he tells me that flashing rears are illegal.
    I've 2 BBBs on and when I bought them the guy said they were o.k now...can you settle this please?
  • Plax
    Plax Posts: 33
    It is now perfectly legal to use flashing light on your bike as per the enactment of Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 2559.
    Please see the link below for evidence (under the section "Flashers")
    http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4071
  • Gambatte
    Gambatte Posts: 1,453
    Sailingalong wrote:
    Hi guys, sorry if this has been covered before but my mate was round yesterday and he tells me that flashing rears are illegal.
    I've 2 BBBs on and when I bought them the guy said they were o.k now...can you settle this please?

    Does your mate cycle? :wink:
  • Fuzz Monkey Five
    Fuzz Monkey Five Posts: 194
    can anyone post a link as to what the legal requiremenst are for lights on bike ? I've tried googling but it's not 100% clear.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Plax did (look 2 posts up)
  • Fuzz Monkey Five
    Fuzz Monkey Five Posts: 194
    alfablue wrote:
    Plax did (look 2 posts up)

    I now feel like an internet numpty :)
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Fuzz Monkey Five wrote:
    alfablue wrote:
    Plax did (look 2 posts up)

    I now feel like an internet numpty :)

    we've all done it! :lol:
  • misterben
    misterben Posts: 193
    FWIW it's still "illegal" to ride without pedal reflectors, but clipless pedals don't have room for them.... you're still very unlikely to get pulled for either thing (not convinced that the police a) know the cycling laws that well, b) care that much, or c) carry light-strength testing kit)
    mrBen

    "Carpe Aptenodytes"
    JediMoose.org
  • grahamcp
    grahamcp Posts: 323
    To my mind it is daft to try and scrimp on lights. Especially with rears it's not expensive to be easily visible, and I think if you're properly kitted out with hi-vis bib, being predictable etc etc, then you get a lot more respect from other road-users. My personal choice is not to user flashers.

    I see some people out in the dark and their front lights are no brighter than the caps lock LED on my keyboard. If you ride regularly in the dark there's no excuse.

    But before I start ranting, back to the OP - Yes I think it probably is a good idea to look out for approved lights, but my main concern would be getting kitted out with something that is going to get me seen.

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