HC Deb 09 June 2003 vol 406 cc592-3W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the new requirement for the fitting of a bell for pedal cycles for sale includes a requirement on the owner to have a working bell or other warning device fitted to the machine when it is being ridden. [117387]

Mr. Jamieson

The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003, which will introduce a requirement for a bell for all new pedal cycles, only covers their supply. There will be no requirement for the owner to have a bell or other warning device when the cycle is in use.

Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make it a requirement for the owners of pedal cycles to have working front and rear lights and a rear reflector fitted to the machine; [117404]

(2) if he will make it a requirement for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of pedal cycles to fit front and rear lights and a rear reflector. [117405]

Mr. Jamieson

The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 already require pedal cycles in use on the roads between sunset and sunrise to be fitted with and use front and rear lamps and a rear retro reflector. Lamps and reflectors must be in good working order and lamps must be clean.

The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 1984 already require a rear reflector to be supplied on all new cycles. As many pedal cycles are never used after dark, the Government have no plans to extend this requirement to include front and rear lamps or to require owners of pedal cycles to have lamps fitted and working at all times.