Car and cycle collision

Aylesbury_Duck

boliston wrote: »

Amazing the number of people who 'constantly see' cyclists with no lights

Schrodinger's cyclist. Impossible to see but visible enough to be criticised.

System

bezuher wrote: »

A car stopped more than 20m after a point of collision

So within the total stopping distance at 30MPH as stated in the Highway Code.

System

bezuher wrote: »

Many reasons people might not have lights.
- they don't cycle at night (it's more dangerous indeed with or without lights)
- their lights might be stolen easy. to prevent them to be stolen, one should always remove and place them back anytime bike is left

In either case it is illegal for the cyclist to be using the bicycle on the road after sunset. The reasons they don't have them don't matter.

boliston

Tarambor wrote: »

In either case it is illegal for the cyclist to be using the bicycle on the road after sunset. The reasons they don't have them don't matter.

lighting up time is half an hour after sunset

Nobbie1967

Whilst the cyclist should have had light, in this case it would have made little practical difference as they were wearing reflective clothing which in my experience is more visible than lights and they were at a 'well lit junction' when the incident happened.

The primary cause here appears to be lack of observation by the driver. I can see cyclists without lights or reflectives dressed in black because my car has lights that illuminate them. True they are trickier to see, but in a built up area you're travelling at a speed that gives you plenty of time to see them.

Mercdriver

Tarambor wrote: »

In either case it is illegal for the cyclist to be using the bicycle on the road after sunset. The reasons they don't have them don't matter.

If you drive a car without insurance it is illegal. If you have an accident that is not your fault, the third party is responsible for compensation regardless.

MikeWhite

boliston wrote: »

lighting up time is half an hour after sunset

Ah, but NOT for cyclists. They need lights from sunset to sunrise. That took me by surprise...
"Lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise."

Car_54

MikeWhite wrote: »

Ah, but NOT for cyclists. They need lights from sunset to sunrise. That took me by surprise...
"Lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise."

Not quite. Also required "in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset".


The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, section 24(1).

MikeWhite

[quote=[Deleted User];74542889]Not quite. Also required "in seriously reduced visibility between sunrise and sunset".


The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, section 24(1).[/QUOTE]

Indeed. I should have been clearer and pointed out I was only referring to "lighting up time", in relation to sunset/sunrise.

Nasqueron

Cyclist can be prosecuted for riding without lights (plus the fact it's stupid), if your lights are nicked, walk the bike home or leave and get public transport or a taxi. Lack of lights doesn't mean they were at fault for an accident however.

British Cycling membership is about £30 a year and gives personal liability insurance as well as legal cover to sue people who hit you. I'd support a mandatory prosecution for anyone who hits a cyclist and says "sorry didn't see you" as that is a confession of driving without due care and attention