HC Deb 03 February 1969 vol 777 cc24-5
31. Mr. Dance

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation making it compulsory for the rear mudguards of bicycles to be fitted with reflective material.

Mr. Bob Brown

No, Sir. We are satisfied with the measures already taken to make bicycles more conspicuous at night.

Mr. Dance

Why is the Minister's judgment so bad on this? It would not cost the cyclist much money, and it would certainly bring a great deal more safety to the cyclist himself, just as to the motorist. Why cannot it be done?

Mr. Brown

I do not deny that it might bring added safety to cyclists, but cyclists are common-sense people enough to realise whether that is so. There is no reason why we should introduce compulsion.