Admit your ignorance - things you've only just realised/learned

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Yes, most countries default to the rear brake being on the side you will still have a hand on the bars when signalling to turn across traffic.

We have a dutch immigrant that cycles with us. Her bike is the "correct" way round for the UK. But her Dad's isnt! From the ensuing discussion, it appears to be quite complicated.
I plan to just test any bike I'm given on the continent before setting off :-)
 

Andy in Germany

Legendary Member
We have a dutch immigrant that cycles with us. Her bike is the "correct" way round for the UK. But her Dad's isnt! From the ensuing discussion, it appears to be quite complicated.
I plan to just test any bike I'm given on the continent before setting off :-)

Oddly I ride my bike (UK) and test bikes at work (Continental) and never had an issue with either...
 

Andy in Germany

Legendary Member
We have a dutch immigrant that cycles with us. Her bike is the "correct" way round for the UK. But her Dad's isnt! From the ensuing discussion, it appears to be quite complicated.
I plan to just test any bike I'm given on the continent before setting off :-)

It's a conspiracy: we swap them when we see British people coming, just to mess with your heads.
 

Gillstay

Veteran
Still working on the exam. Apparently it's not a legal requirement to have the front brake on the left: only that the two brakes are independent of each other.

And I thought I was being a cool rebel. Poo.

I also discovered that while there is no rule saying which side the brake should be, there is a law speciically exempting trolleys and sledges from the need to carry two independent braking systems.

If you want to be a rebel then just link your brakes like Rudge motorcycles used too. Good system too as operated the rear brake a bit less than the front at the same time.
 

Alex321

Guru
Location
South Wales
If you want to be a rebel then just link your brakes like Rudge motorcycles used too. Good system too as operated the rear brake a bit less than the front at the same time.

But illegal in the UK (and I think in the EU).

The bike must have two independent braking systems.
 

glasgowcyclist

Charming but somewhat feckless
Location
Scotland
But illegal in the UK (and I think in the EU).

The bike must have two independent braking systems.

The law doesn't prevent them from being interlinked provided two separate controls exist.

I remember the Honda Gold Wing had a linked system back in the '80s and there's plenty of bikes nowadays with this feature.
 

glasgowcyclist

Charming but somewhat feckless
Location
Scotland
We are talking about bicycles here, not motor bikes.

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