gepilling

After buying a new bike about a week ago, I noticed that it doesn't have any reflectors on it. I was wondering first if there is any sort of requirement for bike shops to add reflectors to bikes in states where having them on a bike is required by law, or is it up to the individual? And if it is up to me, what kind of reflectors would you recommend? Are there really any differences?

kidonabike

Dont use reflectors, a good pair of lights (headlight/taillight) work much better.

JonnyHK 

I use 3M stick on reflective tape in strategic spots.

Machka 

Use both reflectors and lights if you plan to ride in the twilight, dawn, and/or dark.

wahoonc

AFAIK they are required to sell you a new bike with reflectors on it (I believe that is federal?). Most if not all states require lights for night riding some also require reflectors. In NC it is:Lamps on Bicycles. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a lighted lamp visible up to three hundred feet in front when used at night and must also be equipped with a taillight or rear reflector that is red and visible for up to two hundred feet from the rear when used at night.

I use generator powered head and tail lights with stand lights on most of my bikes, I also use the stock reflectors as well as a PB Superflash Most of my bags and racks have additional reflective tape, patches, etc on them. I also will wear a reflective vest if I am riding at night. I have an ANSI Class 2 vest, similar to what the highway workers use. For adding reflective tape to a bike IMHO the best to use is the DOT conspicuity tape. Or something like this, anything with the prismatic surface is going to give you the best visibility.

Aaron

Bekologist

the Consumer PRoduct Safety Commission requires US bicycles sold for street use be equipped with front/rear, pedal and wheel reflectors. Other countries have similar, varied requirements.

US sold bikes specifically marketed as 'off road' or 'race' bikes are exempt from this restriction.

wahoonc

That explains the Ninja Roadies we have around our area. Nothing like wearing a dark kit and riding at dusk on narrow two lane roads

FWIW every complete new bike, regardless of type, I have ever purchased came with reflectors of some sort. I usually end up changing them to suit my needs.

Aaron

Doug5150

We did this not too long ago:
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/557025-requirement-stores-provide-pedal-reflectors-new-bike.html

Also see-
https://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/regsumbicycles.pdf

Basically: if you want reflectors, go back to the shop and ask for them.
If you don't want to be a bother, then just get some white & red reflective tape, stick the white over the front of the head and fork tubes, and red over the rear of the seat tube and seat stays. The cheap reflective tape works WAY better than nothing, but if you worry about the issue, just go buy some of the fancy 3MŽ Diamond Grade Conspicuity Tape if you want to go bling with it.

In most US locales, police can write tickets for bikes not having reflectors being ridden at night on public roads (some states even require a front light).

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Under CSPC (federal) regulations, sidewalk (toddler) bikes, fixie track bikes and custom-spec'd bikes do not require them, nor do individual parts that are sold.

A lot of non-lower-end bikes don't include pedals, just because people like to choose their own brand of pedals--and any pedals sold separately are "component parts" and not required to have reflectors.
~

gepilling

Thanks everyone for all the info and links, you have given me a lot to think about. I will definitely be getting either reflectors or reflective tape soon. I also looked up the law for my state (NJ) and reflectors are required for all bikes, but lights are only required if the bike is being ridden at night.