Should mirrors be mandatory?

[Cronorider]

Another thread got me thinking about the use of mirrors. I don't see very many bikes that have mirrors on them, particularly road bikes. I do have one of the bar end mirrors on my road bike, which is very unobtrusive, and I find it to be very useful, particularly in town. Do you use a mirror? Mirrors are mandatory on every other vehicle, why not bikes?

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

No.

 

[Markymark]

No

 

[Fab Foodie]

Nay, nay, and thrice nay.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

No.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Useless at any sort of speed, in the dark, if it’s foggy or raining, or a bit cold, so no.

 

[Tim Hall]

No I don't use one*. No they should be mandatory.

* I do on my recumbent. That's because looking over my should whilst lying down doesn't give much useful information.

 

[Cronorider]

Useless at any sort of speed, in the dark, if it’s foggy or raining, or a bit cold, so no.

From my own experience, I would have to disagree

 

[mjr]

No they shouldn't, No I don't and they're not mandatory on bikes because you have an unobstructed direct rear view (well, maybe unless you're using a full face helmet for road cycling). Looking over your shoulder will always be better than a vibration-affected little mirror.

 

[Cronorider]

No they shouldn't, No I don't and they're not mandatory on bikes because you have an unobstructed direct rear view (well, maybe unless you're using a full face helmet for road cycling). Looking over your shoulder will always be better than a vibration-affected little mirror.

Once again, from my own experience, I would have to disagree.

 

[DRHysted]

Tried them, didn’t get on with them.
So on this one I’m out.

 

[broadway]

No they shouldn't, No I don't and they're not mandatory on bikes because you have an unobstructed direct rear view (well, maybe unless you're using a full face helmet for road cycling). Looking over your shoulder will always be better than a vibration-affected little mirror.

Most cyclists I see moving around obstructions don't take advantage of the "unobstructed direct rear" view. My "vibration-affected little mirror" is more than adequate to give a good idea of what is behind me and also allows me to judge when the best time to do a shoulder check if one is required.

 

[Tin Pot]

Another thread got me thinking about the use of mirrors. I don't see very many bikes that have mirrors on them, particularly road bikes. I do have one of the bar end mirrors on my road bike, which is very unobtrusive, and I find it to be very useful, particularly in town. Do you use a mirror? Mirrors are mandatory on every other vehicle, why not bikes?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

 

[LewisLondon]

Once again, from my own experience, I would have to disagree.

Going to expand on this?

 

[User32269]

Can see why lights are mandatory, but don't want anything else made a legal requirement for my bike.
One of the joys of cycling is the freedom it gives; think it may be a slippery slope once something else is made compulsory? Helmets, hi viz, registration plates? Nah.