Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
74. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the current regulations regarding the use of bicycle lights; if there is a minimum or maximum flash rate that these lights must adhere to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49278/21]
View answerAll bicycles used on public roads are required to comply with the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, as amended. During lighting-up hours, cyclists are required to have fitted and to make use of:
- One front light, showing to the front a white or yellow light visible for a reasonable distance; and
- One rear light, fitted to the rear of the bicycle and showing a red light that is visible for a reasonable distance.
It should be noted that the use of flashing front and rear lights on bicycles is currently permitted under law. Section 29 (5) of the Regulations, as amended by the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 487 of 2009 ), defines a flashing light as one that flashes not less than 60 times per minute. A maximum flash rate is not specified by the Regulations.
In addition, I would advise the Deputy that as Minister for Transport, I do not have a role in the provision of guidance to manufacturers of consumer goods and my Department therefore has not issued any such guidance in respect of flashing bicycle lights. However, I have noted the concerns expressed by the Deputy. I was not aware of these concerns and my Department and I would be interested to hear directly from Epilepsy Ireland on the matter, noting that we have to operate within the context of the Single European Market for goods.
