Motor vehicles are subject to strict federal regulations that mandate essential safety requirements. Vehicles must have safety restraints and airbags. Manufacturers must conduct collision safety testing to assess the design of the vehicle in the event of a crash.
Bicycles are also vehicles, but manufacturers typically do not include built-in systems that are likely necessary for rider safety. Lights, including headlights, brake lights and turn signals, are not standard systems on bicycles.
Instead, they typically require aftermarket installation as separate accessories. Why do bicycle standards not include these safety-critical systems?
Not everyone bikes at night
In California, the law requires that cyclists have lights in place for nighttime operation. However, the vast majority of cyclists are only out on the road during the daytime. Manufacturers can avoid the obligation to install light systems due to a lack of demand from consumers.
There is also the cost of installing and testing such systems, as well as the risk of damage during shipping. Then there’s the impact they have on the aesthetics of bicycles, which can deter buyers. Without any laws requiring such systems, manufacturers are under no obligation to include them.
Cyclists intending to ride on public roads during transitional times of day, after the sun sets or during overcast weather generally need to invest in aftermarket accessories to ensure compliance with the law and optimize their safety. Unfortunately, even with the best accessories, cyclists are still vulnerable to crashes caused by larger vehicles.
Injured cyclists may need help holding dangerous drivers responsible for their conduct in traffic. Partnering with a personal injury attorney can help those injured in cycling collisions explore options for compensation and hold the party at fault accountable for their losses.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed