HC Deb 21 May 1984 vol 60 cc664-5
2. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will convene a conference of interested local authorities to discuss the Government's cycling policies; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Conferences dealing with cycling matters already take place as necessary. These provide one opportunity among many for continual exchange of views between the Department, local authorities and other interested bodies. I am asking the Department to convene a conference early next year to review progress.

Mr. Dormand

Does the Minister accept that the success of the Government's cycling policies depends to a large extent on the initiatives taken by local authorities? In view of the explosion in cycling—I am glad that the Minister is an enthusiast—at a time when the Government are slashing local authorities expenditure, what is she doing to ensure that cycling obtains the resources that it deserves?

Mrs. Chalker

The hon. Gentleman knows that we are working hard to ensure that we introduce cycling schemes where we can—that is, where they are economical and make sense in the locality. He is right in saying that the matter should be decided by the locality. The schemes should be in the interests of safer cycling, which we have been promoting especially hard in the new code during the last few weeks.

Mr. Higgins

Has my hon. Friend had a conference with the Home Office about the need to enforce the law on the lighting of bicycles and about the fact that a high percentage of bicycles show no lights?

Mrs. Chalker

I am as worried as my right hon. Friend about that. I shall discuss enforcement in general with the Home Office in a few days' time. One of our prime campaigns, which we must continue for as long as is necessary, is to make it clear in something like our new safety code for cyclists that cyclists are a danger to themselves and to other road users by cycling without lights.