Brakes Mandatory on Fixed Gear Bikes?
06-25-08, 01:59 AM
#1
DevasTaTor!!!
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Brakes Mandatory on Fixed Gear Bikes?
police keep hassling me about this but i really don't think they have the right to.
all of them say that you need one locking wheel, then when i explain that the wheel does lock they throw in "that is executed by a hand lever".
WTF? this is bull dude.
all of them say that you need one locking wheel, then when i explain that the wheel does lock they throw in "that is executed by a hand lever".
WTF? this is bull dude.
06-25-08, 07:32 AM
#2
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You need a front brake at minimum. I know it sucks but it's in the vehicle code. You could always throw a cheap interrupter brake lever and put some front calipers on but not actually hook it up ... 
06-25-08, 07:45 AM
#3
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According to the Californai Vehicle Code (looked it up on www.leginfo.ca.gov),
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
06-25-08, 08:12 AM
#4
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What's the big deal dude? Get a brake and spare the harrassment. You might need it someday.
06-25-08, 09:17 AM
#5
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I like to go fast which means the need to stop fast which is why I have a front brake.
I'm in too much of a hurry to Zen it up.
I'm in too much of a hurry to Zen it up.
06-25-08, 09:19 AM
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According to the Californai Vehicle Code (looked it up on www.leginfo.ca.gov),
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
06-25-08, 09:39 AM
#7
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Are you riding this on the velodrome or the street? Sounds like the street to me... Get a front brake.
06-25-08, 09:51 AM
#8
Style-challenged
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get a front brake at a minimum on that thing. It'll save your life at some point.
06-25-08, 10:25 AM
#9
RacingBear
According to the Californai Vehicle Code (looked it up on www.leginfo.ca.gov),
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
21201. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle on a roadway unless it
is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make one
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Maybe "executed by a hand lever" requirement was adopted by some local ordinance. In which case, you'll have to check it out with the local agency.
That being said, get the front brake. I know it's hip, kool, and **** to ride without the brakes on a fixie, but at some point self preservation should kick in.
06-25-08, 10:32 AM
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Get a brake and maybe they'll give you a discount on a helmet...Think about it if you had a kid, wouldn't you care for them enough to like them to have those 2 items?...I'm sure someone in your life cares for you. : )
No Pressure..
No Pressure..
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06-25-08, 11:14 AM
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I always use the brakes on my fixed gear bike. Your knees will thank you greatly when you get older. I couldn't imagine trying to descend Conzleman road from Hawk Hill without a front brake.
06-25-08, 11:14 AM
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Some cities have redefined the brake laws and allow brakeless fixies. I admire the skill of people who can ride with no brakes the way I admire the skill of tight rope walkers and bull fighters... but sometimes they DIE.
If your chain breaks you're in trouble without a hand brake.
06-25-08, 11:43 AM
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I looked at the annotations to Sec. 21201. The brake requirement has never been litigated.
06-25-08, 12:50 PM
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Install the front brake, and just wear tighter jeans and get a slightly more emo haircut to compensate.
06-25-08, 12:50 PM
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You'll probably find that you can ride faster with a brake installed. More confidence in your ability to stop quickly and all.
If you use an interruptor lever with a swing-open clamp (Soma has a nice one), you can even quickly remove the braking system when you take your bike to the track. So no big deal.
If you use an interruptor lever with a swing-open clamp (Soma has a nice one), you can even quickly remove the braking system when you take your bike to the track. So no big deal.
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