Lights

Question

Debra asked: My adult child rides home on his bike at night. He wears a headband that has a headlight and a flashing red light on the back. He was stopped by Daytona Beach for not having lights and given a warning. He was told that his lights did not matter. They must be attached to his bike. He has had three sets stolen off of his bike and this is the way he guarantees that he does have lighting when riding home. Is there a law that says they must be attached to the bike?

Answer

The officer is correct whether the cyclist is on the roadway or the sidewalk. The requirement for lights applies to the bicycle. Additional lights such as those described may also be used.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. A law enforcement officer may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider who violates this subsection or may issue a citation and assess a fine for a pedestrian violation as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider for a first violation of this subsection upon proof of purchase and installation of the proper lighting equipment.

You may want to ask a bike store person for detachable lights that can be removed and safeguarded when not in use.

3 Comments on “Lights

  1. I’ve had a bicycle headlight stolen (and a taillight too?–can’t remember). Lights are available that can be attached and detached easily (the headlight is fastened with a rubber strap onto the handlebar; taillight sits in a little clip that allows easy release by pressing a tab). Many bike shops carry such taillights. If they don’t carry a headlight that attaches and detaches, check online merchants.

  2. I have a small basket attached to the front of my bike. It’s just big enough for a back pack and a happy meal (grin). I use my phone’s flashlight as a head light which is held sturdy in place by a bungy strap. Haven’t been pulled over yet and of course it is removed when the bike is parked. I hope this helps.

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