Is brakeless illegal in the UK?

I'm sure I've seen a thread here before that would answer this question so if you know where it is, please point me in the right direction.

I was involved in an accident (not my fault) with another cyclist, and damaged my bike. I ride brakeless and just thought I'd ask this question before sending a picture of the bike to the insurers in case they say that they won't cover me as I'm not running a front brake (my frame isn't drilled for brakes anyway).

I think I heard once that if you have a lock ring then you're fine to ride brakeless in the UK. But a quick Google search just said that in fact, I have not been riding legally. What's the deal?

Yes it is illegal.

It's only legal if you have a front brake.

The lockring may be in references to certain velodromes in the UK requiring that the bike should at least have a lockring to hold the cog in place.

#threadend

What bars do you have?

I think you'll be ok with drops.

Nailed it. Thanks mate, I'll find a spare caliper for the sake of a photo.

You've just stated on a public forum that you were riding illegally at the time of the incident and intend to commit fraud.

Maybe don't claim and fit a brake permanently for these "oh shit" situations?

You cannot be that big a fucking idiot to think brakeless is legal.

Off topic question: Would the accident have been avoided if you had a front brake?

How hard of thinking are you?

Your bike was not roadworthy, and you chose to ride without the most effective brake on your bike and were then involved in an accident. What would you think about a driver whose car is not in a fit state to be on the road?

Fit a brake and stop being a disingenuous twat.

Suck up the damage costs. If you didn't have a brake then the accident was as much your fault. Claiming money and/or fitting a brake for insurance purposes is fraud. It's now in the public domain forever that you were riding an unsafe bike and insureres are free to check here

Indeed. If you want to be all #yolo about riding brakeless, suck up the consequences.

Is the other cyclist involved in the accident on here I wonder ?

Your insurers, or the 3rd party's insurers?

Chill out guys, he said it wasn't his fault!

I'm sure his family are in law and owns a suit, so he's got nothing to worry about.

^^This. Not the brightest behaviour, granted. But we all do stupid stuff. The self-righteous, judgemental comments are just as bad. Usual culprits.

Oh he said it wasn't his fault? My bad, lets all just pay more for insurance premiums so people can act reckless, cause accidents and commit fraud to claim for their own idiotic behaviour. Do one.

Sorry, but WAC. And I'm not one of the usual culprits, first time I've decided to comment on such a post. There are enough idiots on the road using all modes of transport, but to be so brazen about fraud on top of it is a bit of a piss-take.

Here's where the law stands... https://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living-blog/2010/aug/25/cycling-without-brakes

Written by the forum's very
own @Sparky. Jeez, 2010 was seven years ago! Wow, time flies.

Blimey. Time does fly. Wish I was still writing.

Now I can tell people that I know a Guardian journalist.

People been ridin' brakeless since 1987?! Pretty gangsterrr if im honest. I dont ride much in london but ride brakeless around the countryside where i live and its mostly down the the fact ive been riding fixed since i was young and couldnt afford a brake. No excuse i know, but didnt even cross my mind it was illegal.

You can't afford a brake? Forum whip-around for a Sora brakeset?

Currently in Berlin. Seen plenty of fixed gear bikes, all of which have at least a front brake. Not seen on with out any brakes.

😂😂😂

Think that's the first time I've used emoji on the forum, worthy post though.

Times is hard when you are young and in the countryside.