Question: Is there a requirement for bicycles to have lights? It is getting dark earlier and it is hard to see bicyclists with no lights or reflectors.

 — Gary

 

Answer: Thanks for the question and yes, even bicycles have lighting and reflector requirements during hours of darkness or limited visibility.

Because lighting and reflector codes are going to reference the hours of darkness and limited visibility let me preface the question with 13 AAC 04.010 which covers when lights are required.

The code reads:

(a) Every vehicle traveling on a highway or other vehicular way or area within the state must illuminate lights

(1) between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise; or

(2) at any other time when, because of insufficient light or other atmospheric conditions, persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet.

Bicycle headlight requirements are covered under 13 AAC 04.320(c) which reads: “A bicycle, when ridden at the times when lights are required under 13 AAC 04.010(a) (1) and (2), must be equipped with at least one light on the front of the bicycle, emitting white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle under normal atmospheric conditions.”

Bicycle taillight requirements are covered under 13 AAC 04.325(a) which reads: “A bicycle must be equipped with a taillight which displays a red light visible 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle. The same time and visibility requirements under 13 AAC 04.010 applies.”

Bicycle reflector requirements are addressed in 13 AAC 04.335(b) which reads in part: “Every bicycle, when ridden at the time when lights are required under 13 AAC 04.010, must be equipped with a red reflector on the rear of the bicycle and reflective material visible from the sides of the bicycle.”

The code also states “Nothing in this subsection prohibits the use of additional reflectors or reflective materials upon a bicycle.”

It is important to be seen, but it is equally important to be able to stop and brake requirements for bicycles are addressed in 13 AAC 04.340. Section (b) of this code reads: “Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake system, maintained in good working condition, which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.”

Remember, nothing prohibits the use of additional reflectors or reflective materials on a bicycle, and nothing prohibits the use of reflective vests or belts on the rider. Making yourself visible to others is paramount.

 Stay safe and always wear your seatbelts.

 If you have questions that you would like to ask a trooper, please send them to Alaska State Troopers, 1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709. Or you can e-mail them to Charles.Inderrieden@alaska.gov. You also can call your local trooper post business number to ask questions. The Alaska State Troopers remind you that real Alaskans choose respect. Violence against children and family members is not only disrespectful, it’s a crime. It’s OK to speak out.