Night Riding - Halfords 13 2014 User Manual

E. Night Riding
Riding a bicycle at night is many times more
dangerous than riding during the day. A cyclist is
very difficult for motorists and pedestrians to see.
Therefore, children should never ride at dawn, at
dusk or at night.
Adults who choose to accept the greatly
increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at
night need to take extra care both riding and
choosing specialised equipment, which helps
reduce that risk. Consult your local 13 dealer
about night riding safety equipment.
WARNING: Reflectors are not a
substitute for required lights. Riding at
dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of
poor visibility without an adequate bicycle
lighting system and without reflectors is
dangerous and may result in serious injury
or death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and
reflect car lights and street lights in a way that
may help you to be seen and recognized as a
moving cyclist.
CAUTION: Check reflectors and their
mounting brackets regularly to make
sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken
and securely mounted. Have your local 13
dealer replace damaged reflectors and
straighten or tighten any that are bent or
loose.
WARNING: Do not remove the front or
rear reflectors or reflector brackets
from your bicycle. They are an integral part of
the bicycle's safety system. Removing the
reflectors may reduce your visibility to others
using the roadway. Being struck by other
vehicles may result in serious injury or death.
The reflector brackets may protect you from
the brake straddle cable catching on the tyre
in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake
straddle cable catches on the tyre, it can
cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing
you to lose control and fall.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor
visibility, check and be sure you comply with all
local laws about night riding, and take the
following strongly recommended additional
precautions:
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• Purchase and install battery powered front and
rear lights, which meet all regulatory
requirements and provide adequate visibility.
In the UK white front and red rear lights must
be fitted, which either comply with BS 6102 - 3
or are flashing LED lights with a light output of
more than 4 candela and a flashing rate of
between 1 and 4 times per second. It is
recommended that flashing LED lights are
used in conjunction with a steady light, when
riding on unlit roads.
In the Republic of Ireland you must show a
white or yellow front light and a red rear light.
The rear light should be visible from a
distance of at least 152m (500 ft).
• Wear light coloured, reflective clothing and
accessories, such as a reflective vest,
reflective arm and leg bands, flashing LED
lights attached to your body and/or your
bicycle – any reflective device or light source
that moves will help you get the attention of
approaching motorists, pedestrians and
other traffic.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you may
be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a
reflector or light.
• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with
correctly positioned and securely mounted
reflectors.
While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-
moving traffic.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
When riding in traffic:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see
you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the
unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in traffic often, ask your local
13 dealer about traffic safety classes or a good
book on bicycle traffic safety.