Supplying a new bike without reflectors/bell?

Carlos13

Recently took delivery of a new bike for my daughter. It's great, but it was delivered without front/rear reflectors or a bell. The supplier tells me that these aren't a legal requirement, even at point of sale (contrary to what I thought, but I may have been mistaken). Even so, I thought all bikes automatically came with these basic safety devices.

I am a little cross about it, viewing it as compromising safety for the sake of a pound or two. Am I overreacting?

dsmiff

Yes they should - see link below.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/vssafety/guidanceaboutthesupplyandsal4557

Under BS 6102, the following reflectors are required to be fitted: White front reflector (unless a front light is fitted), red rear reflector, pedal reflectors and side or spoke reflectors.

Bicycles supplied in kit form for self-assembly will need to be able to meet the latest British Standard, or an equivalent standard, when fully assembled. They will also need to be supplied with:

instructions for correct assembly and subsequent adjustment of any parts supplied unassembled
a list of readily available standard tools required for assembly
any special tools required for assembling the parts correctly, and
a bell.

Carlos13

That link confirms the supplier's assertion that there is no legal requirement on children's bikes...

Even so, it surprises me that such things should be missing. How many others have bought bikes without reflectors/bell?

Anonymous

Anywhere i've worked it was te rule's to make sure all bikes left with a full set of reflecters but not allways a bell that would only be there if supplied from supplier

Puppetry of the Sock

Carlos13 wrote:

Recently took delivery of a new bike for my daughter. It's great, but it was delivered without front/rear reflectors or a bell. The supplier tells me that these aren't a legal requirement, even at point of sale (contrary to what I thought, but I may have been mistaken). Even so, I thought all bikes automatically came with these basic safety devices.

What kind of unscrupulous, cheapskate bike supplier would do such a thing?

robertjmiller

if they shirked on bike reflectors then it makes me wonder what else they shirked on

Puppetry of the Sock

robertjmiller wrote:

if they shirked on bike reflectors then it makes me wonder what else they shirked on

Indeed. I wonder if they bothered with brake pads.

Carlos13

The bike is excellent, other than the lack of bell/reflectors.

Puppetry of the Sock

Carlos13 wrote:

The bike is excellent, other than the lack of bell/reflectors.

You won't be saying that when the wheel bearings collapse the first time it drops off a curb.

Carlos13

Bringing the thread back on topic, it's about people's views on whether kids bikes should be supplied with reflectors/bell or not...

robertjmiller

bell maybe, reflectors yes. safety is the most important issue for me when it comes to cycling and especially when my daughter is riding.

Puppetry of the Sock

Carlos13 wrote:

Bringing the thread back on topic, it's about people's views on whether kids bikes should be supplied with reflectors/bell or not...

I thought it was about whether or not your being "a little cross" was an overreaction.

I think it's an underreaction. You should be absolutely livid.

thelawnet

Puppetry of the Sock wrote:

Carlos13 wrote:

Recently took delivery of a new bike for my daughter. It's great, but it was delivered without front/rear reflectors or a bell. The supplier tells me that these aren't a legal requirement, even at point of sale (contrary to what I thought, but I may have been mistaken). Even so, I thought all bikes automatically came with these basic safety devices.

What kind of unscrupulous, cheapskate bike supplier would do such a thing?

Not cheap at all http://www.islabikes.co.uk/

sellisnba

I was told when i worked at a bike shop, it was a legal reqiurment that All bike must have reflectors and a bell when sold. My dad who was a police officer then confirmed. Even if it wasn't it's common sense to fit these things to a childs bike.

hambones

Every kids bike I've bought has come with bell and reflectors although all bike shops have been more than happy to remove these items on my behalf before I leave the shop.

Cunobelin

His may be a clash of cultures....

Many bikes are sold without pedals as that way they are not a "complete bike" and can be supplied without all the extras.

I certainly never use these items and always remove them if the bike comes with them

THis may be the angle the company is coming from

CommandoBoy

Depends on the size of the bike.
In our shop if its 14"+ it gets a bell, front and rear reflectors.
These are supplied by the bike company. However certain brands like cube for example do not supply them.