ASTM Revises Bicycle Classification Usage Standard ASTM F2043 to Address Trailer Cycles
March 20, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
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ASTM International Subcommittee F08.10 on Bicycles revised ASTM F2043 - Classification for Bicycle Usage and is developing a standard for trailer cycles.
Originally intended as a document to guide developers of other bicycle standards, ASTM F2043 was revised for use as an educational tool for both those in the bicycle industry and for consumers purchasing bikes.
According to F08.10 subcommittee member David Mitchell, the expansion of the scope of ASTM F2043 occurred after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission expressed an interest in the standard as a means to guide bicycle purchasers in selecting a proper bike for its intended use.
The subcommittee devised five different intended bicycle uses, incorporating a standard naming scheme that would apply to all manufacturers.
The five uses are:
- Condition 0 - Adult supervision required, no traffic.
- Condition 1 - Suitable for road riding (only).
- Condition 2 - For off-road riding and jumps less than 12 inches - 30 centimeters (CM).
- Condition 3 - For rough off-road riding and jumps less than 24 inches - 61 CM.
- Condition 4 - For extreme off-road riding.
"There is not currently a designation for BMX-style riding," said Mitchell, referring to bikes used in the sport of bicycle motocross. "As bicycles evolve, the subcommittee intends to add additional designations for BMX use and other areas."
Mitchell said that engineering personnel who can define new levels of bicycle use are welcome to join in the subcommittee's work on future revisions to ASTM F2043.
Subcommittee F08.10 is working on a standard, ASTM WK22294 - Specification for Child Riding Trailer Cycles, for trailer cycles that carry children and are pulled behind bicycles.
F08 member Steve Nagode said the proposed trailer cycle standard is being written in three parts.
The first section covers general items such as protrusions, sharp edges and reflectors, while the other two parts cover tests that simulate riding situations.
The first riding test simulates the effect of a bump on the road for a trailer cycle traveling at a speed of 13 miles (20.9 kilometers) per hour. The second test is to demonstrate how the side-to-side twisting that takes place between the lead bike and the trailer cycle will affect the trailer cycle.
Subcommittee F08.10 on Bicycles is part of ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities.
Source: ASTM International.