Night Riding Legalities

Gambatte

Do the smarts conform to the regs with regards to "or an equivalent EC standard"?

alfablue

My Smart Superflash box said it conforms to BS standards when in steady mode, but the lens is not marked in any way, which it would need to be to be "approved" (to BS or EU).

T800

As far as I know, the light does not have to have the British Standard mark shown on it if there's an equivalent or better EU-country mark on the light. The Germans take their cycle lighting pretty seriously and are subject to some stringent legislation in this regard. Lights like the Hella 850, B+M D'Toplight or this Smart would all be good choices for your rack, and they incorporate a rear red reflector, something the ½-watt Smart SuperFlash doesn't do.

Old Holdie wrote:

Is there such a thing as a BS approved rear light for bolting to a rack?

All the ones I can find only have a seatpost bracket

veryslowtwitch

My Shimano road SPDs have all come with reflectors which bolt onto the bottom of the pedal. They are Shimano spec and LBS or suppliers could get them for you. I use them all the time in winter.

They also make it easier to clip in because if I can feel them through my shoe then I knoe the pedal is upside down w/o looking. Quick flick to righten.

Regards


Alan

veryslowtwitch

Edit: "know", how embarassing for a Radio 4 listener.

gilbert_by_proxy

Old Holdie wrote:

Is there such a thing as a BS approved rear light for bolting to a rack?

All the ones I can find only have a seatpost bracket

I had to make my own.

Can I ask how we are supposed to measure 4 candella? :?

dazzawazza

What's the law on using panniers at night? My panniers sit low on the bike and would prevent pedal reflectors being seen from the back; if my SPDs had reflectors.
I have a secondary LED attached to the back of the right pannier and both have large reflective strips and logos.

dondare

dazzawazza wrote:

What's the law on using panniers at night? My panniers sit low on the bike and would prevent pedal reflectors being seen from the back; if my SPDs had reflectors.
I have a secondary LED attached to the back of the right pannier and both have large reflective strips and logos.

The law says that you must have pedal reflectors, not that they have to be visible. (The law is not created by cyclists or anyone who understands cycling.)
Reflective bits on panniers are really effective so you're safer with them.

Old Holdie

Many thanks to T800, Jedster and Gambatte for the suggestions. Looks like the DToplight is the one to go for.
99% of the time I reckon you're ok having a battery of LEDs on the back (most of my commute is quiet lanes so bike lights show up pretty well) but as you say, some smart *rse lawyer could argue the case against.

alfablue

Of the DToplights the 4 led version looks like the best bet, it has 2 led's at the side for all round visibility.

Old Holdie

alfablue wrote:

Of the DToplights the 4 led version looks like the best bet, it has 2 led's at the side for all round visibility.

Yep, that's the one!

In the past I've run with a Shimano hub dynamo with the standard rear light on Esge mudguards (backed up with an LED on the rack). Taken that off now cos it's a bit of a ball ache if I want to go for a day ride.
The front light was always a bit of a problem - only just bright enough to ride by, not bright enough to get cars to dip their lights.

What are the actual requirements of the British Standard?

alfablue

Old Holdie wrote:

What are the actual requirements of the British Standard?

I can't give you chapter and verse on the BS, but to be road legal the light must cary permanent marking as conforming to the BS or a similar or superior EU standard (such as the DToplights). So whilst many lights may meet or exceed BS, they don't count as such unless so marked.

Hairy Jock

dondare wrote:

"Reflectors for clipless pedals are either unobtainable or useless which is why so many new bikes are sold without pedals. If you have clipless pedals, reflective ankle bands show you are trying to comply with a stupid law."

I don't think that it is a stupid law. I think that the manufacturers are stupid not to produce good pedals that comply with the law.
For instance Eggbeater make one called the "Smarty" which is reasonably priced and has replaceable, coloured plastic inserts which could very easily be reflective; but they aren't. The fact is that the manufacturers make no effort at all to make bikes or bike accessories which are legal.

Look for cycling shoes with reflectors on the back, my Spesh Soma's have, maybe not with in the letter of the Law but is within the spirit of the Law. As the reflective area is greater than you would get on a pedal, it is unlikely any legal challenge would stand up in court. Unless the Judge was a rabid anti-cyclist...

bryanm

It's a good job bikes come with pedal reflectors. It mean't I could see the stupid child on a black bike, wearing black clothing riding along a poorly lit road last night. Do the parents of these kids really have no brains?

Cunobelin

dazzawazza wrote:

What's the law on using panniers at night? My panniers sit low on the bike and would prevent pedal reflectors being seen from the back; if my SPDs had reflectors.
I have a secondary LED attached to the back of the right pannier and both have large reflective strips and logos.

Try riding a recumbent!