Should cyclists be fined for not having lights on while cycling at night?

[glasgowcyclist]

Can anyone enlighten me when the pedal reflectors thing was signed into law and has it been tested in court against a case of clipless pedals?

The earliest I can see from a quick google is the 1989 RVLRegs although I'd be surprised if there wasn't similar legislation predating that (based on the current exception for cycles manufactured pre 1985). The interesting thing about the reqirement for reflectors though is that, although the Regs stipulate colour, position, and angle of view, there is no stipulation as to minimum size, which would seem to be a rather serious oversight.

GC

 

[Dogtrousers]

Can anyone enlighten me when the pedal reflectors thing was signed into law and has it been tested in court against a case of clipless pedals?

It is one of those straw arguments that is used to diminish far more sensible points

P.S. I don't run clipless and every pedal I possess has the requisite reflectors.

As far as I know it's The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989

Go to table III here
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/1/made

Also
See #60 here
https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82

 

[Dogtrousers]

The earliest I can see from a quick google is the 1989 RVLRegs although I'd be surprised if there wasn't similar legislation predating that (based on the current exception for cycles manufactured pre 1985). The interesting thing about the reqirement for reflectors though is that, although the Regs stipulate colour, position, and angle of view, there is no stipulation as to minimum size, which would seem to be a rather serious oversight.

GC

You're right.

THe 1989 one superseded the 1984 act, which on p36 of the pdf here has the same requirement for pedal reflectors. Presumably they gave manufacturers a year or so to comply with the reflector requirements.

I bet if someone dug out the act that predated the 1984 one, there wouldn't be any requirement for pedal reflectors.

 

[Dogtrousers]

It looks like 1984 was the first RLVA. It replaced and revoked 16 statutory instruments and certain sections of the RTA. So finding what predated it would be difficult.

Incidentally, I stumbled across this, which is still on topic (just) from Hansard
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120711/text/120711w0002.htm
Defendants proceeded against at magistrates court for selected cycling offences, by Police Force Area, England and Wales, 2001-11(1,2)
It's a list of the number of prosecutions, by area, for various offences such as:
Pedal cycle—riding to common danger
Cyclists fail to stop on signal and failing to comply with traffic signals or signs
Bicycle, more than one person carried (That's in contravention of the "No-Backies" act of 1972)
Pedal cycles—riding on footpath (tut tut)
Riding, causing or permitting riding a bicycle with defective brakes
Promoting unauthorised cycle race on public highway
Rider of cycle failing to give name and address when alleged to have been cycling recklessly, dangerously, carelessly or inconsiderately (Had a thread about that recently)
Pedal cycle lighting and reflector offences (RVL Regs 1984) Hooray, still on topic

 

[jefmcg]

[QUOTE 3050551, member: 30090"]Yes they should, whether it should be top priority for a passing cop is another matter but it is the law.[/QUOTE]

So is having four pedal reflectors. Should that be enforced too?

[QUOTE 3051347, member: 30090"]No imo.[/QUOTE]

I agree. But why should the first one be enforce because "it is the law", but not the second?

(thanks to those who tracked down the law: I'd just confirmed it from CTC site, without actually finding the legislation)

 

[Brightski]

Yes we have all seen it and some of us have been guilty of it too. I have. Now I think we need to take responsibility of our own actions and if we don't then the law should do.

I saw a guy cycling from Luton cycling in the pitch black Country lanes wearing nothing but black,with no lights on and no helmet too!!

Not bothered about the helmet but no lights in the dark is a bit silly..

 

[Soup890]

Being visible in the dark makes a big difference. Using lights to see pot holes or obstacles ahead of you in the night is important as you risk serious consequences if you run into them.

 

[Dan B]

[QUOTE 3051805, member: 30090"]Because reflectors are fairly pointless imo but lights are not[/QUOTE]
So your opinion is the basis for deciding whether any particular law is worth enforcing? Is it *just* your opinion that counts or are the rest of us allowed one too?

 

[Dan B]

You are allowed an opinion, in private.

That's OK then. I would never be so importunate as to share it

 

[MontyVeda]

[QUOTE 3051805, member: 30090"]Because reflectors are fairly pointless imo but lights are not[/QUOTE]
A while ago i was being driven down an unlit country lane. In the far distance i noticed a glowing bouncy thing and wondered what it was, then i noticed another glowing bouncy thing next to it and realised it was the pedal reflectors of a bicycle... they came into view long before the cyclists little LED back light did... so whilst reflectors may be pointless in your opinion, they're certainly not in mine.

 

[ufkacbln]

Can anyone enlighten me when the pedal reflectors thing was signed into law and has it been tested in court against a case of clipless pedals?

It is one of those straw arguments that is used to diminish far more sensible points

P.S. I don't run clipless and every pedal I possess has the requisite reflectors.

Or a tourist / commuter where they are obscure by panniers?