Sir, - I came across two letters of particular interest on Thursday, both of which touched upon aspects of safer cycling. The first dealt with mandatory helmet-wearing, while the other addressed proper lighting (“Cycling and road safety”, Letters, March 26th).
I share my experience from Germany on both topics, where cycling etiquette is typically good. Helmet-wearing is low and enforcement is not mandated. Authorities believe having such measures would reduce cycling and lead to higher overall mortality. It is felt enforcement of helmet-wearing would put people off cycling, leading to more cars on the road and more fatalities.
Now to the issue of lights. In primary school, to be permitted to cycle to school, you and your bicycle must pass a test. For the bike, this includes functioning front and back brakes, two reflectors per wheel and adequate lighting front and back.
Education is the key. Enforcement then becomes less necessary and it comes as no surprise if you are stopped by the local police.
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If I am stopped for cycling intoxicated, I can lose my driving licence and have to pay one month’s net salary as a fine. So, if education doesn’t work, this certainly would ram home the point. - Yours, etc,
SIMON BLAKE,
Munich,
Germany.
