In the UK, cycling is very popular and popular. It is convenient, flexible and environmentally friendly, and it can also be used for fitness. There are many people who ride bicycles everywhere on the street. After many students go abroad, they also want to choose bicycles as a mode of transportation. This article will talk about what you need to pay attention to when riding a bicycle in the UK.
Lights:
Cyclists must abide by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, which states that cyclists must have front and rear lights if they are riding between sunset and sunrise or in periods of reduced visibility such as fog. The lights must be white at the front and red at the back. Additionally, cyclists can be fined for cycling without lights on a public road after dark.
Here’s what you need to be legal.
Front lamp with white light
It should be placed up to 150 cm from the ground and face forward. If it is capable of emitting a steady light, the light should comply with BS6102/3 standards. If it is only capable of emitting a flashing light, it should emanate at least four candelas.
Rear lamp with red light
This light should be placed between 35 cm and 150 cm from the ground, and it should face rearward. Like the front lamp, if it is only capable of emitting a flashing light, it should emanate at least four candelas. Otherwise, it should comply with the BS3648 or BS6102/3 standard.
According to the UK’s Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR), it’s illegal to cycle on a public road between sunset and sunrise without lights.
Helmet
Note that, to stay on the right side of the law, the lights must also be fitted to your bike and not your helmet. According to the law, they should not be placed higher than 1,500 mm from the ground.
Other Helpful Reminders and Tips
1. Some road sections in the UK are not allowed to ride bicycles, such as road sections with many pedestrians, road sections with potential safety hazards, scenic road sections, etc. Generally, there is a dismount sign at the intersection. If you encounter such a road section, you need to get off and Push the car away.
2. Bicycles in the UK cannot carry people. Unless your bicycle is a two-wheeled tandem bicycle like the one you ride on Huandao Road. This regulation is very strict in the UK, the maximum legal fine is 200 pounds.
3. In the UK, bicycles also abide by traffic rules such as stopping at red lights, going at green lights, giving priority to pedestrians on zebra crossings, and prohibiting retrograde traffic.
4. When changing lanes or making a turn, you need to use your arms to give directions. Especially at intersections or roundabouts, motor vehicles need to give way to bicycles. In order for motor vehicles to respond early, cyclists need to use their arms to indicate the direction in which they need to change lanes, such as turning left, they need to lift Respond to motor vehicles behind with your left hand.
5. Bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks. To use a dedicated bicycle lane, if there is no bicycle lane, it is necessary to use the motor vehicle lane.
Conclusion
Whether you use your bike or rent one, it's important to know and follow all the biking rules mentioned above. Bike riders also have their fair share of rules to follow on the road. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so all active riders need to learn about the rules and regulations they should abide by. After all, these rules were created for everyone's safety, including yours.
Are you looking for accessories you can add to your bike? At Olight, we have white and red LED bike lights that you can attach to your bike's front and rear. We also offer comfortable bike seats to make bike riding more pleasant for you. Get one for your bike today!
