freiston wrote: ↑10 Aug 2022, 2:14pm
I really can't stress enough that if you want "legal" and good functional performance (in terms of illumination), the only "safe" option is to buy StVZO. If you want something good enough for moonless rural riding, get a minimum of 40 lux. Mine is 80 lux and I would say that 80 lux is a good bright light for any road in the UK. Seriously, I always feel thrilled as to how good it is when I ride on pitch black nights.
Thanks. Though this article -
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers ... ke-lights/ - says that the cut off of StVZO isn't a legal requirement in the UK:
At present, bike light laws in the UK don’t require lights to have a cut-off. According to Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns and advocacy at Cycling UK, the rules are pretty straightforward.
“In summary, you need a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, visible from the front and rear respectively and fixed to your bike,” Dollimore explains.
Please understand, I'm not saying you are incorrect, just trying to understand.
I'm actually trying to pack (including my new light!) so won't really have time to look anymore at the UK's sometimes confusing/inadequate/contradictory/ambiguous/ignored cycle lighting laws. But on first glance it looks as though the light I've bought may be
anti-social (at least on its brightest setting, if not aimed downwards), but not actually
illegal, in this country.
For this holiday that light will probably be OK. It's a back up in case I end up being out late, on very very quiet unlit roads. And given the time of year, it shouldn't happen much. And an advantage is it has umpteen modes, so I can switch to low power if I see cars approaching, which I will.
I'll investigate a less anti-social one when I get back, and the nights get darker earlier.
Thanks for your help.