asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his attention has been directed to the number of cases in which cyclists have been prosecuted in the Dublin District Court for riding bicycles without a light; whether he is aware that cyclists cannot get electric lamps or batteries, and they cannot get oil lamps or oil for oil lamps; and whether, in view of the statement of one of the district justices arising out of a prosecution of this character that the accused person was not compelled to ride a bicycle, he will take steps to amend the regulations requiring cyclists to carry lights, in view of the fact that in existing circumstances a bicycle is an economic necessity for large sections of Dublin workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cycling Without Lamps.
Representations in regard to the scarcity of suitable light for bicycles have already been considered by me and after full examination of the position I am satisfied that any relaxation of the present regulations which would lead to the unrestricted use of unlighted bicycles during the hours of darkness would entail very grave danger both to the users of the bicycles and other road users. It is not, therefore, proposed to amend the provisions of the Road Traffic Act which require a bicycle to carry a light.