Is there a bike light law?

Is there a Law in London that you have to have lights front and back on your bike at night? I just moved here from NYC and we aint got no laws like that there. Riding fixed in London is a bit more challenging than NYC so I can sort of see why there would be a law if there is one.

Yes.

This is easy!

yes. theres also one about reflectors and one about brakes too.

Here's the cyclist section of the Highway code
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

Here's the cyclist section of the Highway code
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

Mummy to the rescue.

there is a law about how many questions you can ask in 24 hours. you're ok for now, callow youth.

yes. theres also one about reflectors and one about brakes too.

I was under the impression no reflector law exists that applies to cyclists, only the resellers of new bicycles.

However they are quite a sensible precaution, apparently courts investigating some RTAs might consider the presence of reflectors as helping exonerate cyclists where there is doubt about who is at fault.

Mummy to the rescue.

i'm trying to be good this week, I was very bad last week insulting/mocking cyclists and road-users and what happened yesterday.... kamma pushed me off my bike.

BTW those rules open up with you should and are not backed off with any law or statute. its a code not a legal requirement.
I am not saying flaunt it as they are right, only you wont get nicked

EDIT - but skull head is right, the laws only apply to those selling bikes... there fore the hip hop slaves flying out of BLB are..... ILLEGAL... ;)

EDIT - but skull head is right, the laws only apply to those selling bikes... there fore the hip hop slaves flying out of BLB are..... ILLEGAL... ;)

Am I right in thinking that BLB sell bikes without pedals (i.e. you have to buy them seperately (doesn't matter if they attach them for you)). If so then the bikes are not deemed complete under trading laws and therefore BLB will be exempt from any requirement to attach reflectors. Fairly standard practice for bike shops who sell anything above shoppers and garage ornaments.

I am so dreary

As are all trolls

Good point Killer. but that still Leave bike reflectors and bell?

Good point Killer. but that still Leave bike reflectors and bell?

Nope, if the pedals aren't attached then it's not considered a bike for TDA purposes and therefore the seller doen't legally have to attach reflectors and bell. It is considered the responsibility of the buyer to "complete the build".

Mainly this is done to avoid the hassle and liability involved of having roadies and the like asking for all the reflectors etc being taken off pre-delivery. Legally bike shops can't do this, even if they know full well you'll do this yourself. The legal loophole is that you can buy the "not quite a bike" and the pedals and ask the shop to put them on for you before you take it out of the shop without either party incurring any liability against the other.

Put it this way: If you get hit by a car at night and you didn't have lights on, you're a cock head and don't expect sympathy or insurance money.

I was pulled over on Bishopsgate the other night. Had a flashing red LED light attached to my backpack and a white headlamp on. The police said that the lights had to be fixed to the bicycle and not me and threatened me with a 60 pound fine. Then said I could go and buy lights at the nearby bikeshop instead of getting a ticket. Sounds like a load of shit to me but I was polite etc just in case I was wrong and did what he said until I was out of his sight.

So do the lights have to be fixed to the bike?

http://www.bikeforall.net/content/cycling_and_the_law.php

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4071

even with those links its seems a bit 'grey area-ish' , it doesnt strictly say it HAS to be on the bike does it??

I was pulled over on Bishopsgate the other night. Had a flashing red LED light attached to my backpack and a white headlamp on. The police said that the lights had to be fixed to the bicycle and not me and threatened me with a 60 pound fine. Then said I could go and buy lights at the nearby bikeshop instead of getting a ticket. Sounds like a load of shit to me but I was polite etc just in case I was wrong and did what he said until I was out of his sight.
So do the lights have to be fixed to the bike?

Whether or not it's the law, attaching lights to a bag is typically a bad idea since LEDs are far less effective off-centre and it's very hard to centre on a bag.

Best bet is one fixed to the bike and one on the bag for drivers in higher cabs (trucks) to see.

even with those links its seems a bit 'grey area-ish' , it doesnt strictly say it HAS to be on the bike does it??

Which bit is vague?
*Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 (amended in 1994 and 2005) require pedal cycles to have various lights and reflectors fitted, clean and working properly, when being ridden on a public road between sunset and sunrise*

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/uksi_19891796_en_1.htm
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052559.htm

Which bit is vague?
*Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 (amended in 1994 and 2005) require pedal cycles to have various lights and reflectors fitted, clean and working properly, when being ridden on a public road between sunset and sunrise*

mmm yea i suppose. But it doesnt say you cant put them on your persons. I do. My light 'clip'# broke so i cant attach it to the bike no more :(

You use lights though, right?

mmm yea i suppose. But it doesnt say you cant put them on your persons. I do. My light 'clip'# broke so i cant attach it to the bike no more :(

Fitted to the BICYCLE = NOT fitted on YOU.

Like I said, it's not vague. The lights go on the bike. End of.

Anything more is optional extras.

I personally don't use lights hoping that I will be seen. The reality is that human beings drive vehicles and even though they are supposed to be licensed and follow a code of conduct it doesn't actually mean anything in the real world. Don't rely on them, rely on yourself. Beware of your surroundings and presume everyone is an idiot.

What a pointless comment.