RSA and high viz vests

Beasty wrote: »

It would be a bit odd, charging full VAT on the bike, but not on these "accessories" (having said that, the UK does zero-rate helmets, but that is under a rule applied to certain safety equipment, rather than being specific to bike helmets). Then the law would need to distinguish between those lights to be used on bikes, and those for other purposes (such as general torches)

Don't worry it's already been covered. Helmets are legally required when riding a motorcycle, yet all motorcycle PPE is charged at the top VAT rate.

So if the RSA's stupid idea of making motorcyclists, cyclists will be next, wear full sleeve Hi Viz comes into law. You'll pay 23% more in a motorcycle/bicycle shop than a builders providers.

But it could be a good revenue earner, stop cyclists and bikers and fine them for Tax avoidance if they can't prove they've paid the "luxury" tax on there legally required safety equipment!

doctor evil wrote: »

I think a lot depends on what type of garment/accessory but it does irk me when I see riders without it.

Best you avoid cycling outside Ireland or the UK then.

Of course, those two countries have the best cycling safety records in Europe, because everyone wears hi-viz.

Just realised you're talking exclusively about horse riders, as far as I can make out.

This thread, not for the first time discussing this topic, puts me in mind of the old Private Eye cartoon that purported to show life before the invention of high-visibility clothing. The roads were littered with dead postmen, policemen and road workers.

Iwannahurl wrote: »

Dutch and Danish cyclists, like the ones below, are dying in their droves of course.


Perhaps their motto is cycle fast, die young and leave a casually dressed/low-viz corpse.

OMG, a driver could be seriously traumatised if he/she was to see these cyclists without PPE or polystyrene helmets... I can only imagine the carnage if one of these rebels was to cycle the streets of Ireland!