asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of Judge Neylon and of Garda witnesses at Cork County Criminal Court on 21st June in regard to the ineffectiveness of plastic reflectors on bicycles; and whether in the interests of public safety he will make some regulation forbidding the use of such ineffective reflectors; or, if not, if he will draw the attention of bicycle manufacturers in this country to the shortcomings of these reflectors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Plastic Reflectors on Bicycles.
11.
I have seen a Press report of the case mentioned by the Deputy. As regards the second part of the question, Section 161 (4) of the Road Traffic Act, 1933, provides, that there shall be carried in the prescribed position and manner on every bicycle while it is on any road during lighting-up hours "a red reflector in efficient condition and so fitted that when a light is impinging on such vehicle from the rear thereof such reflector is visible to a person in the rear of such vehicle and within a reasonable distance thereof". Article 14 of the Lighting of Vehicles Regulations, 1934, prescribes details as to the nature and intensity of such reflectors and the manner in which they are to be carried. It is the duty of a person using a cycle to see that his reflector is in proper condition and, if necessary, to fit a new reflector to the vehicle. I understand that the manufacturers of the bicycle concerned in the case are aware of the Judge's remarks and are at present investigating the matter. I might add that the general position with regard to the lighting of vehicles will be reviewed when the Road Traffic Bill, 1960, becomes law.