Reflectors

[steverob]

My new Ribble arrived without reflectors of any kind, either attached or in the box.

My new bike DID come with a red rear reflector in the box. Unfortunately it doesn't actually fit anywhere on the bike - the seat post is one of those ones that has a "fancy" design/shape to try and reduce road vibration and it won't fit round that, and everywhere else I've tried to place it, it's come loose long before the end of my ride - usually it's hanging on facing completely the wrong way within a few miles of riding.

I did fit reflective strips to the backs of my (SPD) cycling shoes to make up for the lack of pedal reflectors, but I have no idea whether they'd be doing any good or not.

 

[Alex321]

I think it is a legal requirement for retailers to fit them but I dont think you are braking the law if you remove them.

Maybe someone can confirm that for me

You are in breach of the Road Vehicle Lighting regulations if you ride after dark without pedal reflectors (unless your bike was manufactured before 1st October 1985), even though a large majority of clipless pedals sold have no facility to fit reflectors.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/1
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/schedule/20

Https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/regulation/4 (this is the bit that says the regulations don't apply to pedal cycles between Surnise and sunset)

 

[Alex321]

I have a set of those somewhere. Bought then just in case their was a clampdown on the matter. Have a feeling the old highway code was not specific to "at night". Hybrid and ebike both have proper pedal refector MTB pedals.

Possibly the Highway code wasn't specific, but the law is, and has been since at least 1989, that the rules on obligatory lights and reflkectors do not apply to pedal cycles between sunrise and sunset.

 

[classic33]

My new Ribble arrived without reflectors of any kind, either attached or in the box.

Not a built/complete bike when sold. Which is why some shops take the simple step of not fitting the pedals at the time of sale.

 

[Alex321]

Not a built/complete bike when sold. Which is why some shops take the simple step of not fitting the pedals at the time of sale.

When they do, it is always the cheapest flat pedals, which normally do come with built in reflectors.

They don't usually fit pedals to anything but the cheapest bikes because they know that any serious cyclist is just going to want to change them immediately.

 

[Andy in Germany]

One of my many sets of 520s/540s came supplied with a set. Never used them.

You anarchist.

 

[classic33]

When they do, it is always the cheapest flat pedals, which normally do come with built in reflectors.

They don't usually fit pedals to anything but the cheapest bikes because they know that any serious cyclist is just going to want to change them immediately.

It's actually a workaround the current regulations, as the bike was incomplete at the time of sale/purchased.

 

[Andy in Germany]

It's actually a workaround the current regulations, as the bike was incomplete at the time of sale/purchased.

MTB's have a similar workaround here: if they don't have lights we have to write "Does not comply with road regulations" on the price tag but we can still sell it. I did have a customer try and claim a refund on the basis we hadn't told him this (we had; and there's a sticker saying this on the handlebars) and then when I refused a refund on these grounds, he claimed I had to pay him back because the bike was "under guarantee" (it wasn't) and the bike had a puncture.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

My Keo's don't have built in reflectors, but I always use ankle "Slap Bands" if planning to be out in twilight or later.

I also use them on ankles & wrists, as l will this evening, leaving work at 22:15
(on meal-break as l type)

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

LIghts & reflectors
The CGR frame 'died', but barring the reflective (frame) tape, all lights/reflectives are the same om the Biscuit








Just iPhone flash.
(front mudflap also reflects)

 

[steveindenmark]

It may be a legal requirement. But I have never known anyone prosecuted for not having them.

 

[Punkawallah]

It may be a legal requirement. But I have never known anyone prosecuted for not having them.

Similarly with cycling on a pavement.

For completeness, ’83 Galaxy, single red reflector on the rear mudguard, front & rear lights on the bike when required.

 

[Moon bunny]

It may be a legal requirement. But I have never known anyone prosecuted for not having them.

But I wouldn’t want a careless motorist (or his insurer) to get off on contributory negligence.

 

[Moon bunny]

Similarly with cycling on a pavement.

I have, a few years ago the local police sent one of their questionnaires out, resulting in Something Must be Done about cyclists on the pavement.

 

[steveindenmark]

Similarly with cycling on a pavement.

For completeness, ’83 Galaxy, single red reflector on the rear mudguard, front & rear lights on the bike when required.

No. I know people have been prosecuted for that