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State decides bike-light laws
David Allen does not clearly explain about how he thinks his call for mandatory rear lights on bicycles would be implemented (“Make rear lights mandatory,” Jan. 13). He criticizes what he sees as the city’s “emphasis … on helmets and … the front light.”
The California Vehicle Code mandates a front white light visible from 300 feet ahead and a rear red reflector visible from 500 feet behind, plus pedal and side reflectors. Rear lights are not mentioned and, in fact, a cyclist with only a red rear light on back would, strictly speaking, be in violation of the code if that light did not have retro-reflective properties.
Of course, it’s hard to imagine any police officer citing a cyclist for having a functioning rear red light and no rear reflector! Be aware that the city has no authority to pass a local ordinance requiring rear lights for bicycles operated on public roadways.
The federal Consumer Products Safety Commission establishes equipment requirements for new bikes sold in the U.S. At present, only the full range of reflectors (front, rear, side and pedal) are required on new bikes at time of sale. In short, if Allen wants to see mandated rear lights and additional lighting on new bikes, he needs to petition his state and/or federal representatives.
David Takemoto-Weerts
Davis
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