Lights and reflectors

[Bugner]

I read somewhere that as well as lights being mandatory at night. It is recommended that wheels have reflectors, but is is also mandatory to have a rear and pedal reflectors!?

I comply to all of the above except the pedals as I have clipless. Am I technically breaking the law?

 

[GrahamG]

Don't worry about it - if you're on clipless pedals it's highly likely that your shoes /overshoes have reflective bits on the heel. It's one of those really outdated bits of law that just hasn't been updated to reflect real-world practicalities.

 

[gavintc]

My understanding is that technically you are. But, I do not think anyone has been prosecuted regarding pedal reflectors.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

I’d second what Paul just wrote – I often spot reflectors long before the lights on many bikes when driving my car at night

 

[4F]

Pedal Reflectors
Four are required, coloured amber and marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), positioned so that one is plainly visible to the front and another to the rear of each pedal.

Exceptions and explanations
Age brings privileges. To name but two: cycles manufactured before October 1990 can have any kind of white front lamp that is visible from a reasonable distance, and pre-October 1985 cycles don’t need pedal reflectors.

 

[Sapper]

I’d second what Paul just wrote – I often spot reflectors long before the lights on many bikes when driving my car at night

The human eye will respond to movement quicker than a stationary object

Adrian

 

[Bugner]

unless that moving object is a 16st bloke on a bicycle with reflectors, flashing lights, refelctive material on various clothing items and an illuminous yellow 'HUMP' rucksack cover!!

"Sorry mate didn't see you" How can you not see me ffs!!

Oh i know, it's because I don't have 2 x 4inch yellow reflectors on my pedals

 

[Wolf04]

unless that moving object is a 16st bloke on a bicycle with reflectors, flashing lights, refelctive material on various clothing items and an illuminous yellow 'HUMP' rucksack cover!!

"Sorry mate didn't see you" How can you not see me ffs!!

Oh i know, it's because I don't have 2 x 4inch yellow reflectors on my pedals

The classic SMIDSY

 

[marinyork]

Wouldn't worry about pedals, they only work well in clean light. I regard them as practically useless.

 

[jezhiggins]

It is recommended that wheels have reflectors

I have just removed mine, because they made my bike wobble at speed - http://www.jezuk.co.uk/jez/2008July#3805.

 

[Trillian]

an officer tried to have me for it, but he was just irritated by being overtaken on a roundabout.

my bike was made in the 60's so he couldn't do anything

 

[4F]

an officer tried to have me for it, but he was just irritated by being overtaken on a roundabout.

my bike was made in the 60's so he couldn't do anything

Yep one real advantage of an older bike. Mine is early 80's so same regulations

 

[GrahamG]

I'm of the opinion that some kind of reflective is essential - your rear light might die and to be honest I think that reflectors are often more visible that most basic LED rears.

For the reasons stated above my Mr Paul, I whole heartedly support the law that requires front, rear and pedal reflectors to be fitted because in cities with high cycle use there are always loads of people out and about without lights, their reflectors are a godsend for drivers.

Most 'serious' cyclists (any non-POB) tend to keep their rear reflectors, and also have the odd bits of reflective stuff on bags/jackets/shoes etc. so they're always visible. There are exceptions of course - mostly fashion victims who can't bear to adorn their bike or themselves with anything but black and a little blinking LED to be legal, I've seen many that are less visible than your average POB with only reflectors.