We need all cyclists to be licensed
CYCLING is good for the health and is friendly to the environment but as with many other things there is to this too a downside – cyclists themselves, or at least some of them.
With the increasing number of people getting on their bikes I think it is time for better order to prevail.
I, along with many other motorists, have seen basic rules of the road being ignored or circumvented; eg cyclists going through red traffic lights; turning without signalling their intentions; being seemingly oblivious to traffic behind; often riding two and even three abreast on busy roads; on mobile phones and even with a pair of earphones clamped to their ears.
These, along with many other indiscretions, I have frequently noticed.
To combat these errors and make cyclists even more aware of their responsibility to other road users and to the public at large, I think cyclists as well as motorists should carry a licence with a point system.
They should have insurance and pay a road tax: half of that paid for a motor car would be a fair amount.
Of course, some might argue that most cyclists are car owners and already pay a road tax so why make them pay on their bikes as well?
My answer would be: who pays for the cycling tracks being laid everywhere for the exclusive use of bikers?
Surely, they should be ready to contribute to that. In addition, all bicycles should be fitted with retractable rear mirrors and signalling apparatus as well as a clearly readable number plate.
Very young children could be exempt from some of these suggestions but should never be allowed out on their bikes unless accompanied by a responsible adult. In the case of older children the rules would apply, with licences only being issued when a proficiency test has been passed.
The Welsh Government has already implemented some new laws that have been found most beneficial and have been followed elsewhere, perhaps it could give a lead here again.
I feel that if some of the above suggestions were adopted they would go a long way towards making our roads safer for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike.
Revd G Cary Jones
Llangennech