Hypotheitcal collsion with no lights

[Markymark]

I commute in central London and have to-be-seen-with lights.

What would happen if a pedestrian crossed the road at night (not at a pedestrian crossing) on an unlit street and was hit by an unseen cyclist who was in dark clothes with no lights causing him/both injuries?

 

[subaqua]

if the police were to be involved , and the cyclist caught, then prosecution under the construction and use regs would likely be forthcoming for the cyclist for not having the required lights

 

[Custom24]

Given that pedestrians are allowed to cross the road not at a pedestrian crossing, and that cyclists have a legal requirement to have lights at night, I think the answer is obvious.

 

[akb]

It would hurt, either the pedestrian, cyclist or both.

 

[Dan B]

It would hurt, either the pedestrian, cyclist or both.

It would hurt the cyclist more if I catch him
</internet bravado>

 

[martint235]

Given that pedestrians are allowed to cross the road not at a pedestrian crossing, and that cyclists have a legal requirement to have lights at night, I think the answer is obvious.

Yep it is obvious. If it's an unlit street, even having "to be seen with" lights wouldn't protect the cyclist from prosecution I would have thought. And if I was the ped, I'd be starting civil proceedings too for any injuries sustained.

 

[Frood42]

I would consider it dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, lights are there to assist you and to assist others, to not have them is to be inconsiderate to other road users.

For me Rule 68 fits the bill
You MUST NOT
ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by RTA 1991


Rule 68
You MUST NOT
carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one
hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by RTA 1991


Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit.
It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85).
White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.
Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/28
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/29

.

 

[sheffgirl]

Regardless of lights, if a pedestrian is already crossing the road, they have priority. I believe the responsibility lies with the cyclist as the faster moving object to ensure he/she is aware of hazards and can be seen.

 

[wiggydiggy]

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