HC Deb 17 November 1954 vol 533 cc375-6
9. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that Statutory Instrument, 1954, No. 966, concerning the provision of brakes on pedal cycles is defectively drafted in that, while the normal cycle must be fitted with two independent braking systems, no provision is made for the simultaneous application of the two systems, and that cyclists carrying ladders, parcels, etc., thus constitute a menace to road safety; and whether he will introduce an amending Instrument.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The main purpose of the Brakes on Pedal Cycles Regulations is to ensure that on the ordinary free-wheel cycle two efficient brakes are fitted and kept in working order, so that if one brake fails the other is available to stop the cycle. A cyclist should not carry anything which interferes with his proper control of his machine; advice to this effect is given in the Highway Code approved by this House last week. I think there is no need for an amendment of the Order such as the hon. Member suggests, and I doubt if it would make for safety.

Mr. Snow

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me where in the Highway Code, a copy of which I have in my hand, there is an indication that riding with one hand on the handlebar and carrying an object such as a ladder, is not allowed? Furthermore, what reason has the Minister for saying that, in the context of a discussion of this Regulation, the idea was that one brake only should be guaranteed to be efficient? Surely the idea was that safety depends on two independent braking systems being applied simultaneously if necessary, and if one braking system is out of order—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] This is a very important matter——

Mr. Speaker

It is a very important matter, but this is Question time.

Mr. Snow

I accept your rebuke, Mr. Speaker, but I am asking the Minister whether he is not mistaken in his idea of this Regulation. The idea was that the two systems should be capable, if necessary, of being applied simultaneously.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I see it, one of the great advantages of the present Regulation is that there are two independent systems, one of which can operate if the other fails. So far as the Highway Code is concerned, in the new Code which the House approved last week, the relevant passage is in Article 50.