Cycle racks and number plates

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Fri 11 May 2012 16:19
Cycle racks and number plates - pullgees

I've just fitted a rear mounted cycle rack and when a bike is on it the number plate can't be read. Doh!! This must be a common problem . I suppose I'll get stop sooner or later. To avoid that can I write my reg number on a piece of card and hang it over the bike?

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Fri 11 May 2012 16:33
Cycle racks and number plates - a900ss
No.

To be legal you need to add an electrics board powered from tow bar electrics that will have the number plate (illuminated at night) and lights (brakes, indicators and side lights) if these are covered by the bikes.
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Fri 11 May 2012 18:49
Cycle racks and number plates - pullgees

Well I don't have a tow bar for one thing. Should have bought a high mounted carrier. Looks like I'm stuffed. Thanks.

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Fri 11 May 2012 20:34
Cycle racks and number plates - a900ss
I can't recommend the high mounted carriers, they tend to scratch the paintwork. I use a roof mounted cycle rack, Thule.

Can't fault it.
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Fri 11 May 2012 21:24
Cycle racks and number plates - jamie745

Just a word on bicycles on the roof....keep in mind that if you ever wake up in a hedge somewhere extremely drunk and one of those drives past it freaks you out.

Something to keep in mind.

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Fri 11 May 2012 21:52
Cycle racks and number plates - jc2

Till you drive under a height resyrction sign!

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Fri 11 May 2012 22:48
Cycle racks and number plates - Bromptonaut

Best place for bikes is on the roof. Anything else makes trouble some combo of number plate visibility, tail hatch access, vehicle + towmount = invisible length, car paintwork/hinge damage or bike/bike rub troubles.

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Sun 13 May 2012 09:23
Cycle racks and number plates - pullgees

The other thing I've realized is that most number plates are situated on the boot lid or hatch instead of the lower trim/bumper. This causes the plates to be even less visible, so roof mounted must be the way to go.

I don't know if there are BS kite marked but they ought to be if they are not. A poorly designed one and cheap construction can be lethal. Yet even with the best of them a badly attached one or badly attached bike can also result in a terrible accident. On a journey all the ties should be checked periodically.

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Mon 14 May 2012 12:40
Cycle racks and number plates - S40 Man

Is it possible to take all the wheels off and put the bike in the boot? We have a focus est so not massive, but decent sized. With 2 kids in the back and the split seat down we can get 2 adults and 2 kids bikes in.

It takes about 20/30 mins faffing but it must save loads on fuel.

I imagine those roof mounted ones really add to the drag, with the bike being so high up

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Mon 14 May 2012 22:03
Cycle racks and number plates - Avant

If S40's option (definitely the cheapest) doesn't appeal, compare the price of a roof-box with getting an auto-electrician to rig up a numberplate with lights attached to the bodywork below your rear bumper. I've no idea what that would cost, but it must be worth a look, bearing in mind the extra fuel you'd use with the roof-box.

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