I am putting reflectors on my new bike that consist of:

Yellow reflective squares on the cranks and on each side of the helmet
White reflective pin stripe on front and rear rims
Black reflective pin stripe on the front and rear fenders
15 of auto irredecent tape on the helmet
Silver Reflectant on the cycling shoes

Also when it rains...
Silver Reflectant on the rain pants
Silver Reflectant on the rain jacket

Do I still need the old fashion red and amber reflectors about the bike? Or does the modern reflective tapes make an adequate replacement?

Thanks in advance.

In Washington, you only really need a front lamp and a rear red reflector. You may wish to refer to RCW 46.61.780: Lamps and other equipment on bicycles (http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?section=46.61.780&fuseaction=section).

In Washington, you only really need a front lamp and a rear red reflector. You may wish to refer to RCW 46.61.780: Lamps and other equipment on bicycles (http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?section=46.61.780&fuseaction=section).

> "of a type approved by the state patrol "

OK so that probably means the plastic one is required. Just finished installing it. Thanks for the quick reply Khuon!

-V

Just put everything on that the law requires. Then get a niterider plus the niterider tail light, it's as bright as a truck's. If they miss you, they're either blind or part of the general american driving population.

I am putting reflectors on my new bike that consist of:

Do I still need the old fashion red and amber reflectors about the bike? Or does the modern reflective tapes make an adequate replacement?

Thanks in advance.

It's a big world with lots of different laws. Why not ask your -local- law enforcement agency?

Paul

OregonBound, I love your sig! Would you mind if I used it on a different site?

With lighting, I never worry about what is legal, but rather what is visible and safe. If you show up like a Roman candle at night, I doubt any cop will stop you for inadequate lighting.

Because motorists so often overlook vertical objects such as pedestrians and cyclists, I am getting interested in lighting which gives the illusion of width, such as a pair of red blinkies in back, about a meter apart, rather than a single one in the middle. I also thought about diggout out the old French strap-on arm/leg lights and putting one on each upper arm, for the same reason. In front, a pair of beams makes sense, but with one out by each brake lever, instead of both closely straddling the handlebar stem.

I also thought about diggout out the old French strap-on arm/leg lights and putting one on each upper arm, for the same reason.

I'm not sure how long your old lights last but you might want to check out the Planet Bike cuff straps which are fairly lightweight and last a while (200 hours).

http://www.planetbike.com/images1/3030b.jpghttp://www.planetbike.com/images1/strap.gif (http://www.planetbike.com/pop/3030.html)

With lighting, I never worry about what is legal, but rather what is visible and safe. If you show up like a Roman candle at night, I doubt any cop will stop you for inadequate lighting.


No offense to the officers of the law but our cops will site you on a technicality no matter how illogical it is.


>>I am getting interested in lighting which gives the illusion of width

Indeed size matters. I have the required reflector and a blinky on the chain stay. But I think your idea with the brake handle bars is better.