Have I got this right?...

[ScotiaLass]

So I ride a MTB. The only road I tend to cycle on is the one that takes me to the turn off for the cycle paths/trails I use.
Am I correct in thinking that if I use any road, I need, by law:
to have reflectors on the bike
to have lights (if dark)

I don't ride in the dark but currently have lights on my MTB.
When I get the new bike next week, I was not going to attach lights but carry a set in my rucksack incase I get caught out (highly unlikely but I'm covering my bases here).
Do I have to leave the reflectors on my bike no matter where I ride?

I use a bell as I ride a lot of towpaths, mind you, even with that, I end up shouting or slowing down (or both!) as most people tend to have earphones in and don't hear me anyway - thoughts on a bell?

Is there anything I've missed?

 

[Octet]

Personally I have a red rear reflector at all times on my bicycle, and then at night a very bright front and an equally good back (with which the mounts stay on all the time, simply because it is my commuter and as such I use them all the time).

I don't think there is any legal requirement for a front reflector, however there is technically one for pedal reflectors however this is often difficult if you have SPD/SPD-SLs.

In terms of a bell, I don't personally have one and I tend to find my voice both more polite and more effective (however this is opening a can of worms here).

 

[ScotiaLass]

Personally I have a red rear reflector at all times on my bicycle, and then at night a very bright front and an equally good back (with which the mounts stay on all the time, simply because it is my commuter and as such I use them all the time).

I don't think there is any legal requirement for a front reflector, however there is technically one for pedal reflectors however this is often difficult if you have SPD/SPD-SLs.

In terms of a bell, I don't personally have one and I tend to find my voice both more polite and more effective (however this is opening a can of worms here).

Thanks. The pedals have build in reflectors.

 

[mcshroom]

The interpretation I take from this page is that all lighting and reflectors are stipulated only when it is dark: -
http://www.ctc.org.uk/cyclists-library/regulations/lighting-regulations

It is illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors. Exactly which lights and reflectors, where to fit them and when to light up, is defined by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations.

I'm not sure if the laws are slightly different north of the border.

The law on reflectors is especially widely ignored as clipless pedals seldom have anywhere to attach reflectors.

 

[Peteaud]

None of my bikes have any sort of reflectors on them.

In fact, they went in the bin within 2 mins of buying it.

If i do ride in the dark, the 2 front lights, 2 rear lights, hi viz gloves and jacket dont suffice, a few bits of plastic wont help me.

 

[Roadrider48]

Lights front and back for me. Pedals do have small reflectors, but when I am clipless they are gone.
Not sure about the law on reflectors. Somebody here will know for sure.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Thanks guys.
Personally I'd prefer to ditch the reflectors but want to stay legal!

 

[numbnuts]

If you want to have some reflection coming from your peddles buy some “solas tape” and stick it on the back of your shoe/heel it sticks like sh1t to a blanket

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

What is a reflector? None of my bikes have them

 

[ScotiaLass]

Another question ('cos I don't know nuffing)
I've heard the tyres on my new bike aren't the best...I like the tyres on my Saracen....can I swop then over?
Current bike: 26 x 2.1 Conti's
New bike: 26 x 2 Bontrager

Will the 0.1 make any difference and will the tubes be ok to leave?

 

[Peteaud]

Another question ('cos I don't know nuffing)
I've heard the tyres on my new bike aren't the best...I like the tyres on my Saracen....can I swop then over?
Current bike: 26 x 2.1 Conti's
New bike: 26 x 2 Bontrager

Will the 0.1 make any difference and will the tubes be ok to leave?

They will fit, no problems.
Again, tubes, no issues.

Just swap them over

 

[ScotiaLass]

They will fit, no problems.
Again, tubes, no issues.

Just swap them over

Thanks - I feel so stupid

 

[Peteaud]

Thanks - I feel so stupid

No need to.

We all have to learn.

 

[compo]

Thanks - I feel so stupid

Not at all. It is only stupid not to ask then mess things up.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Okay then...the pedals are plastic and I'd like to replace with alloy ones...is it a universal fit?
Not clip in etc, just ordinary flat pedals...