§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation requiring manufacturers to provide lights on all cycles manufactured, or requiring retailers to ensure that lights are fitted to all cycles sold; if he will list those representations he has recently received on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy right hon. Friend and I have received recent representations on this matter from:
- The road safety committee of the Metropolitan borough of Sandwell
- The road safety committee of the city of Carlisle
- The transportation and highways committee of the city of Coventry
- Ellesmere Port and Neston borough council, and 8 hon. Members with constituencies in these areas
The possibility of a requirement that new bicycles should be fitted with lamps was fully considered two years ago as part of proposals on cycling issued by my Department. The response showed that many parents do not want their children to cycle on the roads at night and fear that the presence of lights would encourage them to do so. Many bicycles are used only for recreational purposes during daytime, and it has been argued that they should not be required to pay for lights that they would never use. Vandalism and theft of fixed lights has also proved a deterrent to provision.
I fully and absolutely share the widespread concern about pedal cycle safety. It is extremely dangerous to cycle at night without properly working front and rear lights. Improved cycle safety will only be achieved by every cyclist, and parents of child cyclists ensuring that these dangers are understood, and working lights are used at dusk and in darkness.