Bicycles (Last Updated 05/09/2006)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff is participating in voluntary standard activities to develop performance requirements related to bicycle structural integrity and safety. Staff participates on the ASTM F08.10 Subcommittee, which oversees the following standards:
ASTM F2043-00 Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage defines product use conditions for bicycles based on their intended riding terrain;
- ASTM F2268-03 Standard Specification for Bicycle Serial Numbers specifies requirements for serial numbers to facilitate recalls and identification of stolen property;
- ASTM F1625-00 Standard Specification and Test Method for Rear-Mounted Bicycle Child Carriers specifies performance requirements and test methods for child carriers that mount to the rear of bicycles;
- ASTM F1975-02 Standard Specification for Non-powered Bicycle Trailers Designed for Human Passengers specifies performance requirements and test methods for non-powered trailers intended to be pulled behind bicycles;
- ASTM F2274-03 Standard Specification for Condition 3 Bicycle Forks establishes testing requirements for qualifying designs using production forks intended for use in Condition 3 as classified in ASTM F2043; and
- ASTM F2273-03 Standard Test Methods for Bicycle Forks outlines the mechanical tests for determining the performance properties of bicycle forks.
Specific hazards to be reviewed include handlebar end impact injuries to the abdomen and falls associated with failures of quick release mechanisms. Other areas of interest are voluntary standards for fork and frame structural integrity.
While the majority of bicycle-related injuries occur during daylight hours, CPSC staff analysis found that a bicyclist is 2-4 times more likely to be killed while riding at night versus riding during the day. Staff research found that, while improvements to bicycle reflectors likely will not significantly improve nighttime conspicuity, a rear flashing light emitting diode (LED) bicycle light could significantly improve the bicycle’s visibility. Over the past few years, advances in LED technology have resulted in affordable, brighter lights that use less battery power.
In 2006, staff will review the Federal bicycle regulation, ASTM and ISO standards and injury data. Based on the staff’s evaluation, the staff plans to conduct testing of bicycle components with the intent of developing specific recommendations for new provisions in voluntary and/or mandatory standards. Staff will share data analysis with ASTM and work with ASTM to determine if a voluntary standard for bicycle lighting is warranted.
Additional Information
Safety Alerts:
Fact Sheets:
Voluntary Standard and Code Activities
ASTM F08-10 Bicycle subcommitte Meeting, September 26, 2006
ASTM F08-10 Bicycle subcommitte Meeting, May 17, 2006
CPSC Staff Reports, Memoranda and Contracts:
An Overview of the Bicycle Study June 1994
- Bicycle Reflector Project - ECOSA
- Petition for regulation of bicycle handlebars
- Requirements for Bicycles
Contact ASTM International:
For further information concerning ASTM standards associated with bicycles, please contact Katharine Morgan at kmorgan@astm.org or ASTM International at www.astm.org
Contact CPSC
For additional information or to comment, please contact cpsc-os@cpsc.gov
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