A Parent’s Concern
When my eldest son, now 16, discovered the freedom of independent travel on two wheels, I felt a mix of pride and heightened concern. As a specialist cycling solicitor, I deal with cycling incidents every day, including a current case involving a tragic fatality. Despite the cyclist taking extensive precautions—sufficient front and rear lighting, reflective clothing, and reflective wheels—he was still not seen by a driver.
This heartbreaking reality raises an important question: Are our current lighting laws and practices enough to keep cyclists safe?
UK Bike Light Law: What You Need to Know
The UK Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (RVLR) make it illegal to cycle on a public road between sunset and sunrise without lights. The law requires a white front light and a red rear light, with a minimum brightness of around 48 lumens (approximately four candelas). However, the law does not specify an upper limit on brightness, which can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
If your bike was manufactured after 1st October 1985, it must be fitted with a front white light, a red rear reflector, and amber pedal reflectors. Flashing lights are also permitted. However, the legislation has not kept pace with modern lighting technology, as highlighted by Cycling UK, which points out the challenges presented by global markets and varying light outputs.
How Cyclists Can Maximise Their Visibility
Visibility is key to remaining safe whilst cycling. The best way to minimise the risk of an accident is to be as visible as possible with lights strong enough to be seen from a distance in low visibility.
To maximise visibility:
- Use a white front light and a red rear light (minimum 48 lumens each) which can be used in the evening and at night.
- Wear reflective clothing and accessories.
- Fit reflective strips on your bike frame and wheels.
- Consider flashing lights for additional visibility.
- Road positioning—if you are further out in the road and not hugging a pavement, this should make you more visible.
The Reality: Vulnerability Remains
Even when cyclists follow best practices—like my client, who used a 1000-lumen front light, reflective clothing, and other visibility aids—the inherent vulnerability of cyclists remains. Cyclists are still no match for the size and speed of motor vehicles. The heartbreaking reality is that visibility measures alone cannot entirely eliminate risk.
Can Lights Be Too Bright?
While brighter lights can increase visibility, they may also create hazards. Reports of cyclists using extremely powerful lights have raised concerns about dazzling other road users. Finding the balance between being seen and avoiding dazzling others is essential.
The Impact of Car Headlight Dazzle on Cyclists
Cycle SOS recently surveyed Cycling UK members to understand the impact of vehicle headlight brightness on cyclists’ safety. The results highlight a significant concern:
- Do you think car headlights are too bright? 90% of those we surveyed agreed that car headlights are too bright.
- Have you ever experienced dazzle from car headlights while cycling? 95% of Cycling UK members had experienced car headlight dazzle whilst cycling.
- Have you ever been involved in an incident or near miss due to car headlight dazzle? 129 out of 582 said yes. (An incident is defined as coming off your bike, hitting an object, vehicle, or person, or sustaining any injury. A near miss involves narrowly avoiding an incident.) Only 22% of cyclists had almost been involved in an incident or accident due to car headlight dazzle.
- Have you ever had to stop, slow down, or change your route due to being dazzled by car headlights? Finally, 83% of cyclists had to adjust their journey by slowing down, stopping or changing their route altogether because of the dazzle from car headlights.
These statistics make it clear that excessive brightness from car headlights is a major issue for cyclists. Not only does it cause discomfort and temporary vision impairment, but in many cases, it directly contributes to accidents and near misses. Given the high proportion of cyclists who have had to alter their routes or stop cycling due to headlight dazzle, there is an urgent need for greater regulation on vehicle lighting.
A Call for Updated Legislation
Current UK cycling light laws need updating to reflect advancements in lighting technology. Clearer guidance on both minimum and maximum light output would help cyclists and other road users stay safer together.
Cyclists have the right to use the roads safely. Complying with the law by using front and rear lights, reflectors, and wearing visible clothing should ensure that a cyclist is there to be seen. However, we must continue advocating for clearer regulations and heightened awareness to protect vulnerable road users further.
Researching the different types of lighting and what should be allowed and what is not is really quite confusing. Cycling UK reports, “Current UK legislation isn’t up to speed with the technological advancements in lighting technology or the effects of global markets.”
If you’ve been involved in a cycling incident or want to know more about your rights as a cyclist, Cycle SOS is here to help. Our team of specialist solicitors can offer expert advice and support.
