Numberplates for bicycles

It is hotly debated- particularly in London- that all users of the highways should be correctly licensed and registered. With the advent of the congestion charge- the numbers of bicycles in London has increased and as such the instances of bad cycling have increased.

Motorists and cyclists famously don't get along- it is often the bugbear of motorists that cyclists run red lights, mount pavements and pick and choose which traffic laws to obey- whereas cyclists are wary that motorists seldom look for bikes and have little understanding / regard for cyclist safety.

The key to resolve the current situation would appear to be the introduction of numberplates for bicycles- a lot of people believe that some form of identification on bicycles would be a good idea. An equally valid argument is that of cyclists and insurance- in the event of an accident involving a cyclist there is no real provision to pay for any damages.
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The cyclist numberplate debate is one that will rattle on for a time to come- Mayor Ken Livingstone believes although a good idea it could be very costly and complex to execute the system- I'm sure once the government realise cyclists as an addition source of taxation the mood will change - watch this space.

Ken Livingstone's view

"I'm now persuaded we should actually say that bikes and their owners, should be registered,"

"There should be a number plate on the back so that the ones breaking the law, we can get them off the cameras."

See also..

numberplates & congestion charging