High Vis Could Become Mandatory For Cyclists

The government is set to review cycling safety in the new year and transport minister Jesse Norman hasn’t ruled out making high visibility clothing and helmets mandatory for cyclists.

According to Mr Norman, new figures showing that the number of cyclists killed on Britain’s roads increased two per cent in 2016, compared to the previous year, mean that laws making it illegal to hop on a bike without the correct safety gear could be introduced.

Bikebiz reported on his comments at a walking and cycling conference, where he explained that the Cycle Safety Review will look at a number of elements, including how to ensure a “harmonious interaction between all road users”.

This will involve exploring everything from cycling infrastructure and education to road signage.

He added that any changes that were proposed would be determined by weighing up all the evidence and the submissions during the review.

Many in the cycling community are against making helmets and high vis compulsory, for fear that it would deter people from riding bikes.

When pressed on this Mr Norman acknowledged that it’s a “serious issue”. He commented: “There will be many arguments about whether the safety benefits outweigh or do not outweigh the deterrent effect that might have on people cycling. So we’re going to leave that to the review.”

A similar debate is also raging in Ireland, where transport minister Shane Ross said that making high vis clothing mandatory for cyclists was “worth pursuing” last month. His comments were criticised by some cycling campaigners, who said that “less than careful drivers” should be the ones being targeted.