Pedal reflector law fixes

[NUKe]

Niggle Everyone asks the same question. First question on facebook was just that

[Bicycler]

Nice to see the police offering cyclists a 1 week 'amnesty' allowing them the same terms as the much less dangerous motorists found with lights out.

Sergeant Mark Shipton, of Newmarket Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Cyclists riding without lights are not only putting their own lives at risk, but are a danger to other road users and pedestrians who are not able to see them.

Really? I seriously doubt they are a significant risk to pedestrians, who will normally have the time and their sight adjusted to low light in order to spot them coming, and as for other road users, how? (OK to motorcyclists possibly, but IME they pay very close attention to what is in front of them when riding down the road).

I've been hit from behind by an unlit cyclist whilst walking along an unlit shared use path at night. Think he just saw me at the last minute (must've been doing some silly speed into the darkness in front of him) so managed to just clip my elbow instead of ploughing straight into me.

[thirdcrank]

Niggle

Query it all you like, but it's a crowd pleaser.

[SA_SA_SA]

While I can see that an (extra) rear (flashing) lamp is a clever quick way to make lots of current lit cyclists instantly legal,
it seems a bit unfair that any recumbent riders who dislike flashing lights will have no alternative non-flashing option:

perhaps, a clause to force a periodic check for research on other non-flashing options could be added? EDIT i.e. accept the simple fixes for now but place some sort of sunset clause that causes a review of possible extra alternatives later.

As a compromise that might still satisfy the flashing rule: What about an intelligent flashing lamp that switches to steady when followed closely by another vehicle (and, optionally?, not under streetlamps) ?
(e.g a variant of this https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1670187625/seesense-the-intelligent-bike-light-with-road-sens http://www.seesense.cc/ *)

As a (future?) option idea, presumably requiring research, would be to use the plastic rod support for recumbent users flags as a (red?amber) light guide or reflector, essentially giving a very tall fibre-flare or reflector (which could wobble, i.e. some movement, as well as perhaps forming a notable pattern). The flag could be reflective too.

*Someone has already pointed them to CJs RVLR page with regard to legal flash rates. I don't like rates of 1-2Hz as they match direction indicators, leaving 3-4Hz, making their variable flash rate rather pointless to me: but varying the rear between 0 and 4Hz--- that might be useful and more civilised. And zero Hz all the time for a civilised front one .

[Bicycler]

I think it's right to focus on a simple solution to legislation which currently makes a minority of cycles illegal to ride at night. There the need for change is clear, even if that change has been slow in coming. That some of this minority of cyclists may dislike the prescribed lighting is not likely to be seen as a legitimate concern. Too many red herrings risks losing sight of the aim which is to ensure we can all be legal on the roads. Keep it simple.

[SA_SA_SA]

I think it's right to focus on a simple solution to legislation .... Keep it simple.

But I did mention split into the immediate quick law fix (simple flashing) with a review later to add any extra alternative options...

[Bicycler]

These regulations should be regularly updated to cater for advances in technology and better knowledge. In practice it seems that it has been very difficult to get even essential changes (pedal reflectors/flashing and led lights) made. I suspect that the probability of serious consideration subsequently being given to catering for cyclists who can't use pedal reflectors and who don't want to use flashing lights is precisely nil.

[SA_SA_SA]

But my idea was that a clause added to the current simple flashing fix would mandate a later review of other alternate options in X years time.

[CJ]

But my idea was that a clause added to the current simple flashing fix would mandate a later review of other alternate options in X years time.

Nice idea, but in this bike-forsaken country it's as likely to get off the ground as the Empress of Blandings!

[SA_SA_SA]

....
Nice idea, but in this bike-forsaken country it's as likely to get off the ground as the Empress of Blandings!

Could someone please name their plane "Empress of Blandings"....

[[XAP]Bob]

Anyone aged 17 or under who is caught will either be escorted home or visited at an arranged time by the officer, who will explain to their parents or guardians about why they were stopped, provide them with some cycle safety advice and a set of lights to fit to their child’s bike.

I wonder if they will be legal lights?

Now I want to get a 16y/old to ride around in front of the cop shop sans lights, *just* to see what they are handing out, and then write to the press pointing out that even the police are unable to source UK legal lights...

[mjr]

Now I want to get a 16y/old to ride around in front of the cop shop sans lights, *just* to see what they are handing out, and then write to the press pointing out that even the police are unable to source UK legal lights...

Easier but slower if you ask at http://www.WhatDoTheyKnow.com/body/suffolk_constabulary

[Mick F]

Slightly OT here .........

Anyone aged 17 or under who is caught will either be escorted home or visited at an arranged time by the officer, who will explain to their parents or guardians about why they were stopped, provide them with some cycle safety advice and a set of lights to fit to their child’s bike.

We married when Mrs Mick F was 17.

Had she been stopped by the police, would she have been taken back to her parents?
I can assure anyone reading this, that she certainly wasn't a child!

[niggle]

Slightly OT here .........

Anyone aged 17 or under who is caught will either be escorted home or visited at an arranged time by the officer, who will explain to their parents or guardians about why they were stopped, provide them with some cycle safety advice and a set of lights to fit to their child’s bike.

We married when Mrs Mick F was 17.

Had she been stopped by the police, would she have been taken back to her parents?
I can assure anyone reading this, that she certainly wasn't a child!

Oh yes she was- legally.

Though a 16+ child has a range of rights that younger ones do not.

[Mick F]

Not after marriage.
Your parents aren't in control after that. They have given permission, and that's it.

BTW, 40+ years of wedded bliss.

Anyway .......... this is OT.