A common misconception among cyclists is that there is a statewide law that requires the use of a bicycle helmet – there is no such law! In the past 15 or so years, a number of cities and counties have enacted laws to require the use of bicycle helmets, but as of now there is no statewide requirement. Check the chart below to see where in Washington you better clip one on.
On a bicycle we are not invisible, BUT drivers claim they can’t see us. The days are getting shorter and we just lost an hour of daylight in the evenings due to daylight savings. Proper equipment is key when riding at night. There is no such thing as too many reflectors and blinking lights at night.
David Longdon’s recent blog posting shows us an extreme example of a riders commitment to getting visible on his bike click here to read the post.
THE LAW
It’s not just a good idea, but proper lighting is required by Washington State statute. You need a white light in front and at least a red reflector in the rear.
46.61.780. Lamps and other equipment on bicycles
(1) Every bicycle when in use during the hours of darkness as defined in RCW 46.37.020 shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the state patrol which shall be visible from all distances up to six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector. A light-emitting diode flashing taillight visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may also be used in addition to the red reflector.
Mimy’s bicycle news feed – Twitter
