Guidance about the supply and sale of pedal cycles

1. The supply of adult pedal bicycles is regulated under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 by The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003 (Statutory Instrument 2003 No.1101)
2. The Regulations introduced changes for the supply of both fully assembled bicycles and bicycles sold in kit form.
3. Fully assembled bicycles now have to meet the requirements of the latest version of the British Standard BS 6102, the corresponding ISO Standard, or an equivalent standard or code of practice recognised by any EEA State. They also have to be fitted with a bell.
4. A person who supplies or agrees to supply a fully assembled bicycle has to ensure that the brakes are correctly adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This means that cycle retailers have to ensure that the brakes are correctly adjusted before delivery to the customer.
5. Bicycles supplied in kit form for self-assembly will need to be able to meet the latest British Standard, or an equivalent standard, when fully assembled. They will also need to be supplied with:
6. • instructions for correct assembly and subsequent adjustment of any parts supplied unassembled
   • a list of readily available standard tools required for assembly
   • any special tools required for assembling the parts correctly, and
   • a bell.
6. Under BS 6102, the following reflectors are required to be fitted: White front reflector (unless a front light is fitted), red rear reflector, pedal reflectors and side or spoke reflectors.
7. Lights are NOT required to be fitted on a bicycle at the point of sale - but IF they are fitted, then they must comply with current regulations.
8. These Regulations came into force on 1 May 2004.

Exemptions from the Regulations

9. The new Regulations only apply to "adult" cycles likely to be used on the roads.
10. They do not apply to:
11. • any bicycle with a saddle height less than 635 millimetres. (Child bicycles are covered by separate legislation)
    • a second-hand bicycle
    • a competition bicycle
    • a bicycle constructed to an individual person's design for use in competitive events
    • a bicycle intended for use outside the United Kingdom.
11. Apart from the requirements to have a bell fitted, and to ensure that the brakes are correctly adjusted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, the regulations do not apply to:
12. • a tradesman's delivery bicycle
    • a tandem bicycle.
12. The Regulations concern the supply of new bicycles and so affect bicycle manufacturers, importers and retailers. With the exception of correct adjustment of the brakes, the Regulations apply throughout the supply chain, from the point of manufacture or import.
13. The Regulations do not affect bicycles when in use. They are covered by separate Regulations - The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983 (Statutory Instrument 1983 No. 1176) and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, as amended. (See separate Guidance Note on Pedal Bicycle Lighting Regulations for full details).

Application and enforcement of the Regulations

14. The 2003 Regulations were made by the Secretary of State in accordance with powers conferred by section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 after consultation with representative organisations, the Health and Safety Commission in relation to the application of the Regulations in Great Britain and such other persons as he considered appropriate. The Regulations apply to the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
15. Trading Standards Officers enforce the 2003 Regulations. Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Offences against the safety regulations) sets out the provisions relating to offences, including the level of penalties and sentences where a person is found guilty of an offence.
16. The 1983 Regulations were made under powers provided under the Road Traffic Act 1972 (Now replaced by the Road Traffic Act 1988). Enforcement is a matter for the Police.

Additional information and advice

17. Copies of Regulations are available from:

The Stationery Office
The Publications Centre
PO Box 276 Tel: 0870 600 5522
London Website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk
SW8 5DT Virtual Bookstore: http://www.tso.co.uk

18. Alternatively further information and advice about the regulations may be obtained from:

Transport Technology and Standards Division 6
The Department for Transport
Zone 2/06, Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street Tel: 020 7944 2078
London Fax: 020 7944 2196
SW1P 4DR

Issued November 2005