§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has decided on regulations to require new cycles to comply with British standard 6102 and regulations defining electrically-assisted pedal cycles.
§ Mrs. ChalkerYes. My right hon. Friend has today laid regulations in draft requiring new bicycles to meet the safety standards in BS6102. This is an important step forward for cycle safety and will ensure that new cycles have more reflectors and are fitted with brakes which work reasonably well in wet weather. The standard also lays down strength requirements which experience has shown are especially important for children's cycles.
My right hon. Friend has also today laid regulations defining electrically-assisted pedal cycles. These specify the maximum power of the electric motor and the speed —15 mph—at which it must cut out. Such machines will fall within the provisions of section 24 of the 1981 197W Transport Act, so gaining exemption from the legislation that applies to motor cycles. Both sets of regulations are subject to the affirmative procedure.
I have received complaints that some advertisements offering bicycles for sale may mislead consumers. I understand it is not always clear that some bicycles have to be assembled by the purchaser. The new regulations cannot resolve this matter, but if I receive evidence that there is an advertising standards problem, I will certainly ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to consider what can be done about it.