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In Ireland
When using a bicycle on public roads in Ireland it must comply with the
Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963
. It has to be equipped
as follows:
Lighting, rear lights, reflectors:
• a red rear reflector
• one front light, white or yellow, visible for a reasonable distance
• one rear light, red, visible for a reasonable distance
• where reflectors are fitted in pedals, they must be amber in colour
It is legal to use flashing front and rear lights.
In addition to lights, a bicycle must also have:
• a bell, which can be heard from a reasonable distance
• front and rear brakes (unless it has one fixed wheel, where it need
only have one brake)
Cyclists are legally obliged to keep their bike in good working order. They
must cycle with reasonable consideration and be sober enough to control
their bike.
Cycle helmet
Cyclists are not legally obliged to wear a helmet or high-visibility clothing.
However, the Road Safety Authority of Ireland recommends that cyclists
wear helmet and high-visibility clothing for safety.
Trailers
To improve visibility of a bicycle trailer, a flag pole should be attached to
the rear of the trailer with the flag being approximately the same height
with the rider’s shoulders/helmet.
Bicycle trailers should meet the European Safety Standard EN 15918:2011
intended for carrying up to two child passengers with the maximum
weight permitted being 60 kg.
For overall safety and if travelling in poor lighting conditions then the trail-
er should display two red lights (one each side of the trailer).
