Interesting proposal, not sure how feasible to implement. If bikes will now need insurance, will they also have to show a certificate of condition, a sort of MOT?

Judging by Cycles i have seen. imo. they should do as some have no brakes and use feet to slow down stop must be expensive on trainers as well as dangerous

Interesting proposal, not sure how feasible to implement. If bikes will now need insurance, will they also have to show a certificate of condition, a sort of MOT?

Cycle speedos/trip computers are probably not that accurate, and those that are better (perhaps GSP ones linked with satnavs or phone apps doing the same) are likely expensive to say the least.

I was out on my bicycle yesterday and passed a couple of those 'smiley face' speed check matrix signs and it's not that easy to judge 20mph, especially if the wind changes direction.

As regards the possible requirement for some kind of unique ID like w reg number/VED badge or suchlike, linked in with insurance, I'm sure it is technically possible.

A basic system used by the Camel Trail [and I suspect other well-used cycle trails] in Cornwall have every cycle hired out ID'ed, but rolling a system out nationally, and to include the equivalent of V5c forms etc when selling them is likely unworkable. How small do they start - little kiddies bikes with stabilisers?

I would say though that professional riders - I don't mean the actual Le Tour types, but cycle couriers who either work for a firm or are self-employed, should, in my view have such a system, including full, annual insurance and IDs displayed, because they are often a menace in cities, far more than the average lycra-clad weekend cyclist riding in the countryside.

I've had some near misses (90% in London) with such berks and seen them do some ridiculous things - going down streets the wrong way, riding at high speed on the pavement, going straight through pedestrian crossings with people (legally) crossing when their turn, plus several nasty crashes into people where its mostly their fault. I also think that the legal responsibility of cyclists (and pedestrians) should be changed to reflect actual culpability and recklessness in causing accidents. Similar with dog owners who aren't responsible or the new menace in some reckless e-scooter users.

The main problem has been and will always be enforcement, though things might improve if Plod doesn't though police the interweb or people's (legal but rude) speech any more or virtue signal at 'gatherings' and 'events' when they are on duty and could be more gainfully employed elsewhere.

I suspect that Mr Shapps has been egged on by the Mail and hasn't thought everything through. Still, better than his Opposition, now former opposition counterpart Mr Tarry who thinks those 'lowly-paid' train drivers need more money and supports 1diotic strikes that just make the whole situation worse.

Its the sort of nonsense briefed by Ministers when they feel they are becoming irrelevant.

It also demonstrates they are probebly doing very little to deal with existing more pressing transport issues.

It was reported that there is only one country in the world where pedal bikes have registration plates.

But in that country, hardly anyone has any other form of transport.

There are some sensible points in this - eg: cyclists should obey the rules of the road and be accountable for accidents they cause.

Mostly it seems a nonsense - the police rarely prosecute motorists without MoT, insurance, driving licence, etc. I have little confidence they will do anything for cyclists who are non-compliant.

Often regulation is unnecessary for those who would anyway be compliant, and pointless for those who will anyway ignore it.

Regulating cyclists runs counter to zero carbon aspirations - younger folk will never bother with cycling, registration and costs will simply drive cyclists off the road.

Imagine the aerodynamic disadvantages you would incur fitting a dropped handlebar racer with license plates!

Imagine the aerodynamic disadvantages you would incur fitting a dropped handlebar racer with license plates!

You could always wear them, rather like the track and field athletes do... :-)

or have a plate slung under the top tube, as some sporting events require (triathlon?).

I'd be more concerned about getting 'wing' mirrors, ABS and airbags...

I don't recall the make, but I remember looking at a Dutch style bike a few years ago which came with a unique ID number cut out of a plate which was a part of the frame.

As for any aerodynamic disadvantages on a drop bar bike, motorbikes don't need a front plate, so no reason a bike would. Not that I think there is any possibility of this unworkable scheme (without vast sums of extra money to enforce) getting off the ground.

Hopefully these rules will include use of lights when using public highways in poor light. Far too many times they whizz past, no lights, I don't want my conscience to be burdened with memories of a RTA with injuries for anyone.

It is already the law that a cyclist must use lights between sunset and sunrise.