JNugent
Yep, it would however require a change in the law that I do not think is necessary. The current law largely works, why change it ?
The law is happy with that when it comes to cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians, provided they follow the law after dark. I'm perfectly happy with the law as it stands, you have yet to convince me that making lights mandatory at all times is either necessary or practical.
I abhor cyclists breaking the law more than most, it gives the rest of us a bad name. The implementation of such a law would be impracticable, partly due the removable nature of bike lights, limited battery life and the number of existing bikes out there.
I would prefer an approach based on education and stricter enforcement of the current laws rather than introducing new laws that would mean that when I pop out down to the shops for 5 minutes on a sunny afternoon, I'd have to fish out my lights, remove them at the shop, refit them. Currently, I'd just sling my bag (containing lights) over my shoulder and go.
No red herring, its a practical and sensible way to avoid cycling after dark if you get caught out after dark - I've done it. (a long time ago when my batteries packed in - now I have multiple lights).
One impracticality is having to remove the lights when parked otherwise they'd get stolen. Hence, even although I always cycle with my lights they are not always attached to the bicycle (unless I am racing - if the conditions were such that lights would be required by law during a race, then the race would be called off).
Yes, there has been an arbitrary line drawn as to what methods of locomotion are required to be lit after dark, this was an exploration of what would happen if you moved the line a little further than you were suggesting. I.e. taking the argument to its logical conclusion.
Yes, there has also been an arbitrary line drawn as to what methods of locomotion are required to have lights fitted at all times.
Both laws are based partly around the practicality of the use and fitting of lights to the modes of transport in question.
No false premise, there is currently a line drawn, it happens to be that motor vehicles have to be fitted with lights, non motor vehicles don't, there has to be a line drawn somewhere otherwise you'd be fitting lights to *all* road users including pedestrians.
I don't see a good reason for the current law to be changed.
No false premise - please tell me.
Good, but that would be one way to (slowly) make sure that all cyclists at least have lights and would be a practical though expensive alternative to requiring them to have lights fitted at all times.
I don't see the point so long as it *is* lit when required.
Cyclists! 1452Many more car drivers" doing what, exactly? Driving at night without lights? You have to be...
I still see drivers driving without lights or with faulty lights at night even though it is a legal requirement for them to be fitted and working, so why do you think that making it a legal requirement for cyclists would stop people cycling after dark without lights ?
I would like to see everyone suitably lit after dark, but feel that changing the law to require bicycles to have to be fitted with working lights all times, would be unnecessary, impracticable and draconian. IMHO a better solution would be education and enforcement.
Anyway I'm heading out for a ride home with 3 front headlights and 3 rear lights, reflectors and reflectives, tomorrow I may drive.
Regards Douglas
