White fender ends explained
 

https://thefrugalcyclist.wordpress.c...s-aka-fenders/

I became curious about this design aspect of old bicycles (especially British ones) and found this article. Thought curious others might find it of interest.

They just look wicked cool anyway. We Yanks reduced it to a triangle.

I have also seen it explained as a wartime thing for discreet/limited visibility.

That's what I heard. Street lights were turned off so night time bombers couldn't pinpoint a target. Automobile headlights had covers that limited upward light. The forward light would reflect the white paint.

So now we know the story, thanks. :thumb:

Well, if it came into law in 1934 it wasn't a wartime thing. Makes a good story, but I'll stick to the statutes!

I read this too. But there was also the urban legend about Brooks saddles having a reinforcement leather layer from an exotic African animal that made them so wonderful...

Can't say about England, but the only time you see white fenders in Italy are on bikes that went through ww2.

The traffic regulation in Western Australia regarding bicycle rear fenders (mudguards) states:


"If a rear mudguard is fitted to a bicycle the surface of the mudguard facing to the rear must be white or silver in colour."


I have not been pulled over for my black mudguards, although if a cop wanted to be a jerk about it he could.