Cyclists General Information Prospectus Schools On Campus Cycle Users at Brookes Off Campus Public Transport and Cycles Cycling Safely Cycle Shops Cycling Safely Equipment Lights are essential. The law requires that you must have lights and reflectors when on the road between sunset and sunrise. The minimum requirement is that bicycles should have a white light at the front, a red light at the back, a rear red reflector and amber pedal reflectors. This rule applies to machines made after October 1995. Extra lights and reflectors can be added, but these do not have to conform to the British Standard.
Lights can be battery operated or can run off a small dynamo.
Reflective clothing or bands add to your visibility at night. Bright coloured or fluorescent clothing makes you more visible in day light. Wearing a cycle helmet is a sensible precaution. Although not preventing accidents, a helmet can reduce the severity of head injuries and the effect of impact. A good quality helmet will withstand an impact of about 12mph, but even in more extreme accidents you will still get some head protection.