asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory type of rear reflector fitted to pedal cycles, and, if so, if he will make regulations to ensure that a satisfactory type of reflector is made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bicycle Reflectors.
Section 161 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933, requires that a rear reflector fitted to a pedal cycle must be in efficient condition and so fitted that when a light is impinging on the cycle from the rear the reflector is visible to the rear from a reasonable distance. The Lighting of Vehicles Regulations, 1934, made under the Act, prescribe the position, area, and reflecting quality of reflectors. These regulations appear to be reasonable and are up to the standards prescribed elsewhere. My functions on this subject under the Road Traffic Act are confined to making regulations prescribing the number, colour, character, position and mode of attachment of reflectors to vehicles. It is the responsibility of cycle users, and indeed in their own interest, to ensure that their reflectors are efficient but the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána has recently bespoken the co-operation of the appropriate manufacturing and trading bodies in seeing that reflectors fitted to bicycles or offered, for sale are efficient and in accordance with the statutory requirements.
Is the Minister aware that in the case of bicycles manufactured by the different companies, and selling at pretty high prices, the reflectors are most unsatisfactory? Would it not be possible to arrange with the manufacturers that new model bicycles will at least have these reflectors?
It is really a matter for the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána and he is actually in negotiation with the manufacturers in an endeavour to see that they comply with the regulation.