Motoring and cycling groups slam call for bike number plates as 'impractical and unnecessary'
Posted on in Cycles News
Motoring groups and cycle campaigners have come together to condemn the idea of number plates on bikes after a survey by Halfords found the majority of people backed the idea.
The survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Halfords, of more than 2,000 people found that 59% backed the introduction of number plates for cyclists, saying it would "encourage responsible riding."
However, cycle campaigners have said the huge cost of implementing a system would fall to taxpayers and warned that such a move would deter people from cycling.
Edmund King, president of the AA, described the idea as both "impractical and unnecessary" and said police already have the powers to stop cyclists.
Sam Jones, Cycling UK campaigner, said: "Given the frequent calls we have for ‘cycle plates' in the UK, it's not unsurprising the Government has looked into the associated costs, and have come to the conclusion that a registration scheme would outweigh any benefits.
"Even if it would not be a costly exercise, it is the bureaucracy of registration which is a real fear. On a practical level, cycles change owners very frequently and are more likely to belong to children than to adults, unlike motor vehicles.
"This makes registration a nightmare to administer and adhere to. Rather than encouraging people to cycle, and bring all the associated health and wealth benefits, it is more than likely to put newcomers or occasional cyclists off cycling altogether."
A Halfords spokesperson said: "We wouldn't support anything that would be a barrier to cycling."
As well as revealing the nations thoughts on bike licence plates, the survey also found that 45% of people support installing dedicated cycle lanes on all roads.
A report on the survey's findings can be found here.