Chris S
Legendary Member
- Location
- Birmingham
Do bikes have to have two brakes by law? An internet trader is selling new Dutch-style bikes in the UK. They don't have a front brake, they've just got a coaster one on the rear.
Do bikes have to have two brakes by law? An internet trader is selling new Dutch-style bikes in the UK. They don't have a front brake, they've just got a coaster one on the rear.
Difficult one to answer.
RTA says yes ( Fixies excepted)
BS standards for bikes says yes.
Single Market says if it meets the relevant standards in one EU country it's OK in another.
For selling, yes. BUT when a vehicle is used on the road, it must adhere to our laws. As such a bicycle must have two braking systems, one applied to each wheel, when used on british roads.Is this going to be one of those things where Europe overrides our laws?
Is this going to be one of those things where Europe overrides our laws?
Are we sure it isn't a hub brake upfront. Even in the Netherlands they need to stop from time to time, and without a front brake then in traffic that can be tricky.Do bikes have to have two brakes by law? An internet trader is selling new Dutch-style bikes in the UK. They don't have a front brake, they've just got a coaster one on the rear.
Construction and Use laws. Two brakes required, front and rear, on a bike with freewheel. Simple.
Try telling a court that euro law applies to UK legislation when vehicles are involved. Wait for smiles, and the fine.
Just suppose I was a Dutchman on holiday in the UK with my coaster brake equipped Batavus with no front brake. Could I be prosecuted for riding without a front brake even though my bike meets the requirements at home in another EU country?
Yes.
You could also be considered for prosecution for riding on the right hand side of the road, which would be perfectly acceptable back in Holland! As the old saying goes, 'When in Rome...'
No this is one of those things were we benefit from a common market.
It has to be two independent wheels. As such a tricycle which has one brake on each of the front wheels which are both operated by a separate brake leaver would be perfectly legal.Some BMXs do not have any brakes, and track bikes only have the fixed wheel acting as a brake. I suppose these are not legal to drive on our roads, but I have never heard of anyone being prosecuted for it. I am not sure whether the two braking systems have to be on separate wheels neither. I notice road tricycles often have two sets of brakes installed on the front wheel.