What's the law please? Flashing LED bicycle lights.

leboof

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum.

I'm trying to find out the law regards the use of flashing LED lights on bicycles. The dark nights are almost upon us and I've started cycling to work to say petrol and of course my carbon foot print.

I'm getting conflicting stories that the law was changed to allow flashing lights, but one site says one thing and another says something different.

Can anyone tell me for definite?

Thank you in advance for any replies.

Leboof

daveyjp

If any police officer tried to fine me for using a flashing light on a bike (even if this was possible) I suggest to him he went and did something more useful.

peterbaker

daveyjp more or less hits the nail on the head...

I'd be surprised if there is a police officer in the country anymore who could tell you what the law on this is without Googling for it.

To ride a cycle after dark without lights used to be the type of offence that any "village bobby" would jump on from a great height, but not since the 60s has it had any significance worth worrying about in the UK.

Quite simply, the law has fallen into neglect in this regard.

Just console yourself that Home Office statistics confirm that burglary is down (not that any self-respecting criminal even has any idea what you mean by the word anymore either...they have bigger fish to fry thesedays too!)

globalds

I think most Police would understand how practical a flashing light is for a bike ..It is far better at gainning other drivers attention ..especially in built up areas with lots of other traffic..

Mrs_B_12

I remember reading something about this about 2 years ago and then it said that the flashing LED lights were permitted but static red lights had to be used as well at night. No idea if that's current now though.

Stompa

It's here:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052559.htm

Though these are more readable:

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4071

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_lighting

o_t_e

The flashing LED lights have been legal since 2005; unless there has been a recent change there is a recommendation (as opposed to a requirement) that you have a steady front light as well.

This actually makes sense - the flashing LEDs are to draw attention to you but are no good for helping you see the road. For that you'll need a 1 watt LED light like the Cateye EL530 - about £30 from ebay or a Planet Bike 'Super Spot' - I got two of these delivered from ebay USA for £30. The batteries supposedly last 30 hours a time but I use rechargeable ones anyway.

I'd also suggest you have have two rear LED lights - one flashing and one constant, just so you are always visible to the occasional idiot that comes up behind you.

Donnie

I purchased some "Super Bright" White LED headlights for £4 whilst abroad.
They illuminate the pathway just as well, if not better than, the best Cateye lights I have used in the past.
They have a flashing mode and being waterproof, can be used for diving, down to a depth of 20 metres.
150 hours battery life, 20 hours for road illumination, the remainder for drawing attention to your presence on the road.

Hmmmm....maybe I should begin importing them......

ailuro2

I can't tell you for sure what the law states.

What I can tell you for sure- the LED's are great to help increase driver's awareness of you- as long as you have a steady rear light aswell.

Someone pulled into the road in front of me last week with only a flashing LED on his rear, but the thing was on a slow timer so I didn't see him at first.Luckily I wasn't going too fast so I slowed down and avoided him/her.

If he had been wearing reflective gear he would have been even safer. Reflective vests are available from Poundland for -you guessed it- £1:D
Even if you put it over your rucksack it helps drivers see you.Especially when it's cold too and the windscreen hasn't completely defrosted (not me, but I see other drivers driving along, peering out through a peephole in the windscreen)

I have reflective tape on my helmet too- every little helps!

custardy

i always go with one solid and one flashing.
they are cheap to buy and it covers both bases fro being seen

Networkguy

From a drivers point of view, as long as you have lights I can see and something reflective, I don't care.

There is nothing more scary than nearly wiping out a bike at night because the rider has no lights on and is wearing a black!!!

I am more than happy to slow down for bikes, give bikes a wide berth and even give them the right of way but please please please, give me a chance and light up at night.

After all, car vs bike is NEVER pretty.