I have a question for those in europe?

Question

i was watching some videos today and i noticed that a lot of people who are in the U.K. and Ireland wear neon green safety vests when they ride,is this a law? or is it just for safety on the roads.

Answer 1

It's because most of the drivers in the UK and Ireland shouldn't be left in control of a running tap, never mind a motor vehicle.

In most areas of the British Isles it's near on impossible to ride without going on the road at some point - I have to go under a motorway bridge and across a fairly busy road to get to good hacking off my land.  Wearing reflective gear is not the law, but it is common sense!  Even on a quiet road a high-viz vest will make you stand out - ours are neon pink :D  as the yellow/green can disappear in roads where there are a lot of trees overhead.  (The yellow and green are just about the same colour as sunlight through leaves.)

Answer 2

My cousin wears them in the UK.  They are just for safety reasons.  Some insurance companies will not pay out if you have an accident whilst riding out and not wearin these reflective vests.  They come in green, yellow and pink.

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Answer 3

If we're hacking on a road then yes we do wear reflective jackets. I don't think it's law but it is common sense if you're riding on busy or fast roads.

Answer 4

Personally I wear the yellow ones with the reflective strips but you can get the jackets etc in various colours.

Green,yellow,pink and orange

http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/sea...

The thing is that we have to ride on the road - there isn't really any other option apart from the people who are lucky enough to have an arena.

And, as See Arr Harr said, a lot of drivers aren't safe to be out especially on the country lanes. It's not compulsory but it's advised. I have never heard of an insurance company refusing to pay out but it wouldn't surprise me.

Too many drivers don't know/don't care about horses on the road.

Edit>Yesterday we got beeped at by some idiot while we were waiting at a junction - luckily the horses are used to this sort of thing and never flinched.

Edit> Helmets are also not compulsory ( for anyone over 14) however most people choose to wear them.

A thumbs down ? what's that for then ?

Answer 5

I've wondered the same thing myself. I figured it was for safety reasons, but never thought of the fact that it might be the law there.