Motorists should be aware that all bicycles used after dark must have:
- Reflective handlebar grips.
- A front headlight and a red taillight. ✓
- White reflectors on the front and rear fenders.
- Brake lights.
Answer: B. A front headlight and a red taillight.
After dark, a bicycle must have a front headlight and a red taillight.
Why this is the answer
The New York State Driver's Manual, in the chapter on sharing the road with bicyclists, says a bicycle used at night has to have a headlight that can be seen from at least 500 feet ahead and a red taillight that can be seen from at least 300 feet behind. That is the equipment rule the test is asking about, so the answer is the headlight-plus-red-taillight choice. The manual lists these as the required lights for night riding, which is why motorists should expect to see both on a bicycle after dark.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Reflective handlebar grips. — The manual's bicycle section says nothing about reflective handlebar grips being required at night.
- C. White reflectors on the front and rear fenders. — The manual calls for a headlight and a red taillight, not white reflectors on the front and rear fenders.
- D. Brake lights. — Brake lights are not listed among the equipment a bicycle must have for night use in the manual.
Remember it
Picture a bike at night facing you with one white light and one red light: front light ahead, red light behind.