IRF for use of better retro-reflective tapes on bicycles

There is a need to go for better retro-reflective tapes on bicycles to minimise accidents as about 6,600 cyclists were killed in 2012 alone due to poor visibility, IRF said today.
The International Road Federation said the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) found the traditional retro-reflectors used by the domestic bicycle manufacturers to be of inferior quality and not conforming to standards.
It said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had last year written to Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan for ensuring safety standards for bicycles, including provisions for fixation of retro reflective tapes, at specified spots to make them visible during night.

"Bicycle users are one of the most vulnerable road users, susceptible to high rate of road accidents. In 2012 alone, about 6,600 cyclists were killed in road accidents.
"Poor visibility of bicycle riders due to lack of proper reflective devices installed on bicycles is major reason for the high rate of accidents with motorised vehicles," Gadkari had said in the letter.
IRF chairman K K Kapila said the organisation, along with Ministry of Road Transport, will fix reflective tapes on bicycles free of cost so that riders could be easily spotted by drivers of other vehicles at night.