Amber pedal reflectors – are you bothered?

I’ve got reflectors on the
I’ve got reflectors on the flat pedals on my hybrid B-)

downfader wrote:I wrote to

downfader wrote:

I wrote to the Government during their red tape campaign to have this amended. I and many others have said that a snap-band ankle reflector, or shoe/clothing reflectors SHOULD be a suitable replacement.

Motorcyclists dont have this problem, and I strongly think cyclists – if they have good lights – shouldn’t either.

I can see no strong evidence that it really makes a difference, whereas lights do.

No, not bothered. Don’t have
No, not bothered. Don’t have rear, front, or wheel reflectors either.

Studies have been done, by
Studies have been done, by TRRL in the 1980s. These studies found that whilst a red light could be seen from further away, pedal reflectors gave the most distant notification that the thing in front was a pedal cycle. So in 1983 reflectors were required on both faces of the pedals on all new bikes sold, and a few years later it became illegal to ride at night without them.

Given that a pedal cycle goes slower than a car, so the driver has to brake or steer pretty soon after realising the little red light in front is NOT on a more distant motorbike, I think we must agree that the matter of identification is pretty important. Since the 1980s however, the use of flashing lights has become commonplace and even legal, on pedal cycles but no other vehicles. So nowadays, a flashing light also uniquely identifies a pedal cycle.

It has not been shown that pedal reflectors play any role in identifying cycles from in front. So logically, front pedal reflectors are required only because pedals may be presented either way up.

So I would argue that an additional rear light should be permitted to substitute for pedal reflectors, so as to provide at least one steady and one flashing rear light on pedal cycles not equipped with pedal reflectors.

If you agree with this suggestion, please write to your MP with it.

downfader wrote:I’ve worn

downfader wrote:

I’ve worn said kit at night. I can honestly say in my experience it doesn’t make a lot of difference.

During the winter I have white bands down my lycra longs, and reflective strips on my tops. People still pull out or close pass from time to time. Short of waving my arms like a maniac and shouting “please dont hit me!” at every car I see I dont see that changing unless attitudes are properly challenged and red herrings removed from the debates.

If someone wears a black coat at night I dont really care as long as the lights are up to scratch!

I’m inclined to agree. I’ve found that motorists tend to be more patient if I use a single very bright light on the front; my theory being that they mistake me for a motorcyclist. If I use several smaller or flashing lights they’ll pull out because I’m easily identified as “only a cyclist”.

Having the rear of the bike lit up like a Christmas tree is my preferred way of avoiding close passes, though.

Rob

Well, apparently, after
Well, apparently, after checking with a local policeman months ago, it would make NO difference to the law if I had reflectors or not, because they cannot be seen from behind, that is purely because I ride a recumbent trike.

The reflectors in my Shimano
The reflectors in my Shimano SPD’s are so small, they might as well not have been there. I am happy with my Speedplays (without reflectors) and lights when riding in the dark on Cotswolds country lanes. Whether that is legal or not…