BS 6102-1:1992 Cycles. Specification for safety requirements for bicycles
BS 6102-1 is written to ensure that bikes made to this Standard will be as safe as possible. Tests are written to make sure that the components and the bike itself are strong and will last. This does not include all bikes such as mountain bikes which obviously take a lot more stress and strain than normal bikes. They have their own standard (see below).
Specifications and tests include those for:
- frames, pedals, saddles, chains, chain guards, lighting and reflectors, brakes, instructions, wheels, tyres.
Two clauses (sections) in detail (taken from the 1992 version of BS 6102-1)
Clause 15. Lighting and reflectors:
- 15.2.1 Rear reflectors - all bikes must have red rear reflectors
- 15.2.2 Side reflectors - the reflectors on wheel spokes should be two sided and be fitted within 10cm of the outside rim. They must be either yellow or white
- 15.2.3 Front reflectors - bicycles with front lights do not need front reflectors. Those without front lights must have a white/clear reflector
- 15.2.4 Pedal reflectors - bikes must have yellow reflectors on the pedals.
Clause 19. Instructions
Every bike should come with a set of instructions. These should include:
- how to make adjustments to seat height etc
- how, where, and how often to lubricate
- how to adjust the gears
- how to use accessories (where included), maintenance requirements and spares
- recommendations on safe riding, for example regular checks on brakes and caution when braking in the wet.
In line with standards for many products and product components that are designed, manufactured and sold in more than one European country, the bike standards are gradually being replaced by European standards. One recently published is
BS EN 14872 Luggage carriers for bicycles. (BS EN means that it's a European Standard and also a British Standard)
These are European Standards (also published as British Standards)that have been written for other types of bike -
BS EN 14764 Bicycles for use on public roads (includes city and trekking bikes)
BS EN 14766 Mountain-bicycles
BS EN 14781 Racing bicycles
This is an international Standard that is also published as a British Standard BS EN 14765 Bicycles for young children.