asked the Minister for Local Government if he proposes to make the wearing of reflector arm bands compulsory for pedestrians and cyclists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reflector Arm Bands.
26.
The Road Traffic Acts do not enable me to make the wearing of reflectorised arm bands compulsory for pedestrians and cyclists. Even if such statutory authority were available to me, I feel that the problem is best dealt with by way of persuasion having regard especially to the enforcement aspects of a statutory requirement. The promotion of the wearing of reflective arm bands by pedestrians and pedal cyclists has represented a major part of the National Road Safety Association's programme since the end of 1974, and in 1975 as a result of the association's efforts approximately 250,000 reflective arm bands were bought and the association say that these are being worn. This year the association have again mounted a considerable promotional campaign in this regard, both through the media and through a variety of organisations. I expect that the promotion of reflective arm bands as an important safety aid at night will continue. Cyclists are, of course, obliged to have a front and rear light and a rear reflector on their bicycles.