Light up the Night – On your Bike!
Its that time of year again, the clocks have gone back, the days are shorter and if you’re a cyclist its time to be aware of you legal and safety requirements of cycling between sunset and sunrise.
Here’s a few FAQs for you to get your facts straight.
When must you use cycle lights?
When riding on a public road, cycle path or public place between sunset and sunrise. They’re also recommended in conditions of reduced visibility during the day.
What is required?
The law requires a red rear light and a white front light, plus a red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors. Optional: an additional white reflector on the front and white or amber reflectors on the spokes.
Lighting tips
• Lights should be fixed to the cycle: make sure they are not obscured by luggage or clothing
• Always angle front lights downwards so that they do not dazzle or confuse others.
• Ensure that your lights are always charged and/or that you have spare lights or batteries. Dynamo lighting is an option so that you always have power.
• Flashing lights are allowed: 2-3 flashes per second is recommended
What is the University doing about students and cycle lighting?
Transition University of St Andrews is running a campaign all winter to make bicycle lighting and reflectors cheap and easy for you. All yhereou have to do is come to one of our biweekly Bike Fix it sessions Bikepool (Bike Pool – Transition St Andrews) and we can sell you CHEAP and effective lights, fit them to your bike for you and send you away with FREE reflective wear for you and your bike. These include reflective straps for YOU and reflective stickers, spoke reflectors and stickers for your BIKE.
You can also buy bike lights through our student run cooperative The Tree. Order yours here The Tree – St Andrews – Open Food Network.
See if you can Light up the Night – on your Bike.
