3 ms·
>> without brakes That is key. Brakes are largely unregulated on bicycles, at beyond laws saying that they need to have them. Standards for braking power and
by sandworm101 5y ago
>> without brakes
That is key. Brakes are largely unregulated on bicycles, at beyond laws saying that they need to have them. Standards for braking power and/or stopping distance would be fought tooth and nail. All those ultra-efficient bikes on slim tires wouldn't be possible if someone set minimum stopping distances.
- analog31 5y agoActually I was being sarcastic, always a bad idea on web forums, sorry. "Without brakes" meant that people don't slow down when they should. And to be charitable, I think it has to do with people learning what kind of situational awareness and reaction time are needed. The US CPSC does regulate bike brakes. The latest generation of e-bikes actually have quite effective brakes, nearly entirely hydraulic discs. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-1512/subpart-A https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-II/subchapter-...
- sandworm101 5y agoThose are regs for sold bikes, not bikes on the street. It doesn't cover customized/user-modified bikes which are the vast majority of commuters these days. There was a man in the UK recently charged with the death of a pedestrian. He was on a fixed-gear bike without front brakes. Causing death during illegal activity means homicide charges in many jurisdictions.
- analog31 5y agoAha. My state prohibits operating a bike without a brake, though the regulation is light on specifics. I read about that incident too.