Taiwan Today

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is in the process of mapping out revisions to relevant laws and regulations aimed at improving bicyclists’ safety, officials said Jan. 13. The proposed changes to the road traffic safety management regulations include making helmets mandatory for cyclists under the age of 15 and requiring that bicycles be fitted with front and rear lights as well as reflectors on the pedals and the sides of the bikes. Other revisions in the pipelines include prohibiting cyclists from carrying open umbrellas while riding and requiring that passengers under the age of 10 in bike trailers wear a helmet and seat belt. The MOTC plans to invite cyclists, members of related organizations and legal experts to attend meetings to discuss the proposed amendments to the road traffic safety regulations. It is also set to select various stretches of road in locations around the island to implement the changes on a trial basis. The revisions are expected to be formally adopted before the end of this year. The Institute of Transportation under the MOTC put forward Jan. 13 the first set of proposed new regulations pertaining to cyclists, their vehicles, roads, and management. In terms of cyclists, Issac I.C. Chen, director of the institute’s safety division, suggested that children under the age of six should not be allowed to ride bicycles on public roads alone and ought to be required to be accompanied by someone older to supervise them while cycling. He made the recommendation based on considerations that young children have slower reflexes and less of an ability to protect their bodies. Chen also suggested the implementation of a compulsory safety helmet regulation for cyclists less than 15 years old be based on the same rationale. Also, in light of the fact that open umbrellas can increase the likelihood of riders losing their balance due to side winds, he further recommended that carrying them while riding be outlawed. Another proposed revision to improve safety would require cyclists to use hand signals to indicate their intention to turn or come to a stop. In terms of changes to regulations concerning bicycles themselves, he suggested that bikes be required to be equipped with bells. In addition, front and rear lights as well as reflectors ought to be mandatory basic accessories in order to improve safety for cyclists who ride at night, he added. The proposed changes in the area of roads include the addition of bicycle crossings of between 0.3 meters to 0.5 meters in width, while recommendations in terms of management include incentives aimed at encouraging the addition of indoor public parking spaces for cyclists in buildings. (SB)