howmanyowls t1_iu3bpz1 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 6:33 AM

Reply to comment by BKStephens in TIL bicycle brakes in the UK are reversed from the US and Europe by UlisKromwell

Ah, then it must be to do with the side of the road we drive/cycle on.

BKStephens t1_iu41rig wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:09 PM

Quite probably.

Back brake hand always on the bars leaves roadside hand free for signalling.

wedontlikespaces t1_iu4z3b8 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 4:15 PM

That makes sense. Same reason that in the UK we drive on the left.

Back in the days when people rode horses a lot that used to leave your sword arm (right-handed for the vast majority of the population) free. Your vulnerable left side was protected by the verge.

In Europe and the US they just got stabbed a lot

platitood t1_iu5qr85 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 7:20 PM

Buckler on the left.

There’s a reason that many castle entrances are set up to force you to lead with your sword arm. Because that’s less safe than being able to lead with your shield arm and keep your sword arm free for stepping back at somebody.

tullystenders t1_iu6sb4e wrote on October 28, 2022 at 11:58 PM

Im calling you out, you most likely got that from wikipedia, but you explained it as if you didnt.

dxin t1_iu43xa3 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:29 PM

Very strangely China also has it on the left.

JoshwaarBee t1_iu49kag wrote on October 28, 2022 at 1:16 PM

It would make sense for Hong Kong, being a colony, but idk about China