CYCLISTS’ LIGHTS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 521, 2 August 1932, Page 8

CYCLISTS’ LIGHTS.

Is Wheel-driven Device Legal? Action was taken recently against two cyclists at Napier on a point tha* wheel-driven electric lights do not fulfil the requirements of the regulations, which say that the machines must carry a Tight while they are on the road whether moving or stationary. Electric lights driven by dynamos on the front wheel have gained considerable popularity and certainly do the 30b while the cycle is running, but the light fades to nothing as the cycle slows up. The Na.pier cyclists were convicted and discharged, as the case was brought as a warning only. The actual clause in the regulations on which the charge was brought was not mentioned in the message concerning the Napier cases, and Mr H. Macintosh, Chief Traffic Inspector, said this morning that it would be interesting to know exactly under what regulations or Act the cyclists had been convicted. The Christchurch City Council by-law provided that no one between the periods of half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise should ride, take, leave or tow a bicycle along any street without a lighted lamp showing a bright white light, provided nevertheless that the above did not apply to a person on foot who led a bicycle without a rider and without a light.

There is a section in the Lights on Vehicles Act, 1915, which states that every person who causes or permits any vehicles to be in any public highway during the periods of half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise shall provide that vehicle with a lamp or lamps in proper working order. Evidently a wheel-driven electric light is not regarded as a light in proper working order, but the point seems one capable of a fairly wide interpretation.