Originally Posted by
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?
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
