§ Lord Freybergasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is illegal for cyclists to cycle at night with only flashing front and rear lights; and, if so, how many prosecutions were made last year. [HL3]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 do not permit cycles to be fitted with any lamp which automatically emits a flashing light. Cycles in use on the roads at night are required to have a front lamp which shows a steady white light, a red light to the rear and red rear retro reflector.
All offences relating to bicycle lights and reflectors are classified together and cannot be broken down. In England and Wales in 2000, 275 persons were proceeded against for all such offences, 230 of whom were convicted.