Since January 1, 1987, side reflection in the form of wheel circles fitted to both wheels has been compulsory for all bicycles in The Netherlands. From this initial date until the year 1994, the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research has made a general inventory. The aim is to assess the level of compliance regarding these legally prescribed side reflectors. The most recent observations, made in February 1994, showed that about 72% of cycles stored in the sheds of secondary schools and about 77% of cycles stored in company bicycle sheds were fitted with side reflectors to both wheels. The 1994 observations produced the following conclusions: (1) to date, a considerable proportion of bicycles still fail to meet the legal requirements concerning side reflectors; (2) the situation at schools appears to have actually worsened somewhat, while the proportion of side reflectors at company bicycle sheds seems to have improved slightly; and (3) since the last SWOV report dating from 1993, the minimal presence of side reflectors particularly amongst mountain bikes has not improved. The SWOV believes that the 1994 figures offer even more grounds to take action than the 1993 figures. The government, in consultation with industry, should formulate equipment requirements for all cycle types. See also C 2411 (IRRD 862253).
Samenvatting