Bicycles - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition bicycles

Definition :

Bicycles. The use of these and similar machines, formerly regulated by byelaws made by local authorities under the (English) Highways Act of 1878, and the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, is regulated by s. 85 of the (English) Local Government Act, 1888, which repeals all Acts empowering byelaws to be made on the subject, declares bicycles, etc., to be 'carriage within the meaning of the (English) Highway Acts' (see especially s. 78 of the Highway Act, 1835); but see Simpson v. Teignmouth, etc., Bridge Co., (1903) 1 KB 405, and in addition provides that cyclists must carry lamps between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, and must give warning of their approach by bell or whistle. The Road Traffic Act, 1934, makes provisions as to red reflectors and a white surface in order to exempt bicyclists from having to shew a red rear light under (English)Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, s. 5 [see (English) Pedal Cycles (White Surface) Provisional Regulations, 1934, 18 October, 1934]; it also makes regulations as regards brakes, and prohibits (except on conditions) the carrying of more than one person.

Motor Cycles. Motor cycles are specially classified under (English) Road Traffic Act, 1930, as mechanically propelled vehicles (not invalid carriages) with less than four wheels and weighing unladen not more than 8 cwt. A driving test of competency is required before the issue of a driving licence, though a provisional licence may be issued for learning purposes; also a degree of physical fitness. The minimum age is now 16. Regarding the compulsory insurance of third-party risks, and the pertinent regulations concerning motor cycles and offences in regard to driving, especially reckless, dangerous, or careless driving, see the (English) Road Traffic Acts, 1930 and 1934.