The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which apply to the whole of the United Kingdom, are made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 in respect of bicycles which are not constructed or adapted for propulsion by mechanical power. They replace the Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 1984 as amended by the Pedal Bicycles (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1984 and are to come into force on 1st May 2004.

Subject to exemptions, regulation 4 prohibits a person from—

(a) supplying or agreeing to supply a fully assembled bicycle unless its brakes have been correctly adjusted;

(b) supplying, offering or agreeing to supply, or exposing or possessing for supply a fully assembled bicycle unless it is fitted with a bell which complies with the required standard; and

(c) supplying, offering or agreeing to supply, or exposing or possessing for supply a fully assembled bicycle unless it complies with the further standards specified in regulation 4(1)(a).

Subject to exemptions, regulation 5 prohibits a person from—

(a) supplying, offering or agreeing to supply, or exposing or possessing for supply unassembled parts in kit form for assembly into a bicycle unless they include a bell which complies with the required standard; and

(b) supplying, offering or agreeing to supply, or exposing or possessing for supply unassembled parts in kit form for assembly into a bicycle unless those parts are capable of being assembled to form a bicycle which complies with the further requirements specified in regulation 5(a) and are accompanied by certain information as to their correct assembly and subsequent adjustment and any special tools necessary for that purpose.

Regulations 6 and 7 specify exemptions from regulations 4 and 5. These exemptions cover particular types of bicycle and parts, both new and used, and bicycles and parts which the supplier reasonably believes will not be used in the United Kingdom.

Regulation 8 makes provision for standards which are equivalent to the British Standard or the International Standard referred to in the Regulations.

Regulation 9 specifies a twelve month time limit for the bringing of summary proceedings for offences under section 12 (offences against the safety regulations) of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and copies can be obtained from the Department for Transport, Zone 2/04, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR (Telephone: [phone]). Copies are being placed in the libraries of each House of Parliament.

The requirements referred to in regulations 4 and 5 relate to both “the British Standard” (BS 6102: Part 1: 1992 and Part 2: 1982 as amended by AMD 4752) and “the ISO Standard” (ISO 7636-1984 (E)). Copies of both standards can be obtained from the British Standards Institution, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (Telephone: [phone]) and copies of the British Standard can also be obtained from The Stationery Office.

These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission and the other Member States in accordance with Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ No. L204, 21.7.98, p. 37), as amended by Directive 98/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ No. L217, 5.8.98, p. 18).