A Guide to Cycle Lights
Staying Visible with Cycle Lights
Riding your bike is an excellent way of keeping fit but you will need some proper cycle lights in order to sustain your safety. It is a law in this country to stay visible using lights and the laws have changed over the years to help you. The standards, called BS in the industry, are what you should look for in your lights.
Changes in Law
Did you know that the law surrounding cycle lights changed in 2005? Before that year they all had to conform to certain standards - known as the BS6102-3.
This rule has now gone out the window and you don't need to worry about these fancy restrictions anymore. In fact you can concentrate solely on your cycle lights. Any rules regarding these are now solely based around their brightness. Basically, make sure they are bright enough so other road users can see you, or you'll be in trouble! The brightness is also known as the candelas of the light - this is a technical term that you don't particularly need to worry about, but just remember that is affects how your light will work. Candelas are a measurement of the luminosity of the lights on your bike. Under all circumstances, the brightness of every light on your bike should be equal to four candelas. You can tell because the manufacturer should make it apparent to their customers. Usually the symbol of a kite, or a BS mark, mean that the light inside the packet will be equal to four candelas and suitable for your bike. The only other thing that you need to take note of is the amount of time that your cycle light spends in flashing mode. This could get you in trouble if it flashes madly, or even if it doesn't flash enough and therefore doesn't make you visible.
Recommended Cycle Lights
If you research cycle lights - as everyone should if you're planning on riding your bike at night - then you will find the same recommendations everywhere. You are told to have a flashing light on your bike - remember, not flashing too often and not flashing too infrequently - and combine it with a steady light that remains constantly on. The law stipulates that you are allowed to have just a flashing light on the back of your bike, so it's fine if this is your preference, but in the interest of safety adding another light would be advised by anybody in the industry.
The reason for this recommendation is because it is assumed that a lot of people ride their bike with a flashing light that is low on battery and therefore not as visible as it should be. That's why people will tell you to add a second, continuous light just to maximise your visibility, even though it's not a legal requirement. You could always just ensure that you're not let down at the last moment and your cycle lights have sufficient battery life.
Riding your bike is an excellent way of keeping fit but you will need some proper cycle lights in order to sustain your safety. It is a law in this country to stay visible using lights and the laws have changed over the years to help you. The standards, called BS in the industry, are what you should look for in your lights.
Changes in Law
Did you know that the law surrounding cycle lights changed in 2005? Before that year they all had to conform to certain standards - known as the BS6102-3.
This rule has now gone out the window and you don't need to worry about these fancy restrictions anymore. In fact you can concentrate solely on your cycle lights. Any rules regarding these are now solely based around their brightness. Basically, make sure they are bright enough so other road users can see you, or you'll be in trouble! The brightness is also known as the candelas of the light - this is a technical term that you don't particularly need to worry about, but just remember that is affects how your light will work. Candelas are a measurement of the luminosity of the lights on your bike. Under all circumstances, the brightness of every light on your bike should be equal to four candelas. You can tell because the manufacturer should make it apparent to their customers. Usually the symbol of a kite, or a BS mark, mean that the light inside the packet will be equal to four candelas and suitable for your bike. The only other thing that you need to take note of is the amount of time that your cycle light spends in flashing mode. This could get you in trouble if it flashes madly, or even if it doesn't flash enough and therefore doesn't make you visible.
Recommended Cycle Lights
If you research cycle lights - as everyone should if you're planning on riding your bike at night - then you will find the same recommendations everywhere. You are told to have a flashing light on your bike - remember, not flashing too often and not flashing too infrequently - and combine it with a steady light that remains constantly on. The law stipulates that you are allowed to have just a flashing light on the back of your bike, so it's fine if this is your preference, but in the interest of safety adding another light would be advised by anybody in the industry.
The reason for this recommendation is because it is assumed that a lot of people ride their bike with a flashing light that is low on battery and therefore not as visible as it should be. That's why people will tell you to add a second, continuous light just to maximise your visibility, even though it's not a legal requirement. You could always just ensure that you're not let down at the last moment and your cycle lights have sufficient battery life.
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