Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Jim Wightman, the head of the Bicycle Advocacy Group, often regales us, via letters to the media, with the joys and benefits of cycling (which undoubtedly are many).

Could he kindly inform us, though, what exactly a cyclist must possess (besides a roadworthy bike and who would determine this?) to enable that person to cycle on our roads?

Does a cyclist require any insurance cover to go on the road?

Does a cyclist require a licence for access to public roads?

Does a cyclist require any certificate of competence or ability, issued by an accredited authority?

Does a cyclist require any certificate showing that s/he is fully knowledgeable of the highway code and can understand road signage and markings in English?

Are there any age restrictions for cyclists – both minimum and maximum – to be able to cycle on our roads?

What are the statutory safety requirements for cyclists and their bikes?

Does a cyclist require a CRT (a bicycle’s version of a VRT) to enable their bike to be allowed on a public road?

Given the increase in road traffic incidents involving cyclists, does Wightman not consider when advocating cycling that these issues should be addressed and clarified and that answers should be provided?