22 June 2023 , 09:00
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Several countries around the world have already tried to make its cyclists have number plates – with limited success.
But this hasn't deterred Italy which, in a bid to reduce road deaths, is proposing a law for riders to not only have licence plates but also indicators, insurance and to wear helmets.
It has long been a divisive topic, but the fact remains that it is nigh-on impossible to identify a cyclist if need be. For years now, campaigners have been pushing for some form of registration system, preferably a number plate fixed to the back of the bike, just as with motorcycles.
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Such plates would make it easier for the police and enforcement cameras to identify offending riders and bring them to justice. The idea has been around for a while, with several cities around the world trialling bike plates – with limited success.
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Cycling campaigners say the huge cost of implementing such a system would fall to taxpayers - and warned that such a move would likely deter people from riding their bicycles.
What do YOU think?
We wanted to know if UK cyclists should be made to have number plates - with more than four thousands of you answering our poll.
A whopping 2,898 said yes - UK cyclists should have number plates, while a sizeable 1,231 thought it was a bad idea. Fifty seven of you put forward alternative opinions.
Our initial story attracted hundreds of comments, here's just a few to give you a flavour:
'Some bike riders should be traceable - especially those who ride on pavements'
Derailed: "Yes they should have number plates, along with insurance. This will make it easier to identify them in case of an accident. There have been a few cases where cyclists have run into an injured pedestrian. Plus it will help local councils identify those who ride in pedestrianised areas like town centres or on pavements."
"At present the onus is all on motorists, even on one way streets. It should also be law that all cycles have a bell to alert pedestrians crossing roads etc."
Fedupoffalsers: "I've said it for years!! Yes, they should. I live very close to a city where student cycling is promoted and they take the mickey. I had two wing mirrors torn off by angry cyclists, and they just rode off, leaving me to pay twice! This happens frequently here. It is high time our useless government brought in number plates and facial recognition."
Spider123666: "Cyclists should pay insurance, have number plates and also pay road tax. They have enough spent on bike lanes - which a lot don't use - so they should pay towards them."
Darchy: "I don't have a problem with it as a cyclist. Some bike riders should be traceable - especially those who ride on pavements."
Droberts70: "Of course they should. Cyclists can kill people and cause damage."
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BanginTunes: "It works in North Korea, no reason why it shouldn't work in the UK. Make it happen."
Bigbru1965: "Why shouldn’t they have some form of identification so that they can be traced? You have to have your dog chipped - and soon your cat - so don’t see why cyclists shouldn't be able to be identified. As road users, cyclists should be made to follow the Highway Code, no jumping red lights or mounting the pavement where there is not a cycle lane."
Rcw139: "Taxpayers are already paying billions for cycle lanes that aren't used. Might as well divert that money to a much better use. There are too many that completely ignore the Highway Code. Currently, nothing happens as they aren't identifiable. If there's the possibility of punishment, they'll be much less likely to break the law and so making the roads and pavements safer for everyone."
'It would just deter the use of bicycles and add to pollution'
Officerdribble: "Not sure about number plates, but cyclists should all be made to wear helmets and have proper indicators on their bikes."
Pippa1: "No they shouldn't. Blooming ridiculous."
Evan1960: "More pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles while using pedestrian crossings in one city, Manchester, than are killed in collisions with bicycles across the whole of the UK! Cyclists and their misdemeanours are an almost insignificant problem when compared to the routine carelessness and deliberate lawlessness of a significant proportion of motorists."
Christurner: "Cyclists should have appropriate clothing and reflective arm bands for safety reasons - but only for recognitive purposes. The use of number plates and charges imposed on cyclists would just deter the use of bicycles and add to pollution."
Max0: "The police can't cope with uninsured drivers or the rats on stolen motor bikes/electric bikes, so how on Earth are they going to police push bikes? Especially the ones that ride through red lights."
Do you agree with our commenters? There's still time to vote in the poll below and have your say in the comments section.
If you can't see the poll, click here