Bike Europe: Bike Lighting Stirs up Dutch Government

Since two days bicycle lighting is headline news in the Netherlands. The official requirements for bicycle lighting do not comply with what’s common used. For many years Dutch police has tolerated the, incorrect, use of flashing battery lights. But that’s over. As of today is forbidden to use battery lights which is not fitted on the bike and flashing. The front light must be white and the rear red. For safety reasons all bicycle lighting has to comply with the law. This was stated in a letter by the Council of Commissioners to all police units.

As a result several police units announced not to have the capacity to check all cyclists and to fine those without proper lighting. Their main argument was that any lighting on a bike or on the cyclist makes traffic safer, regardless if it complies exactly with the law. This argumentation has now been backed by the Home Office Minister, Guusje ter Horst. Why do people use ‘illegal’ bicycle lighting?

Most officially approved systems are vulnerable and much more expensive compared with the small LED battery lights. The Dutch Minister of Transport, commented that a new law is being prepared. Before the end of this year he will take a decision about the future requirements of bicycle lighting.