Rejected petition compulsory wearing of high visibility clothing by all cyclist on all roads in Wales.

Deaths of Cyclists on our roads have doubled in the last 12 months, because they are not seen by vehicle in the appropriate time to allow them to avoid a collision. The sooner a vehicle driver identifies a cyclist, especially when visibility is poor, would mean a quicker, appropriate reaction can be carried out by the said driver(s). I believe a law for compulsory wearing of 'High vis' vests/shirts/upper torso, would greatly reduce the amount of serious injury and deaths on our Welsh roads.

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As a cyclist myself, I am aware of the fact that the sooner a vehicle driver identifies a cyclist, especially when visibility is poor.
Ironically there has been a trend over these last few years, by a great number of cyclists, most in fact, to wear very dark/black cycling wear, increasing the difficulty a vehicle driver has in seeing a cyclist in time. Such a law would be simple for cyclists to adhere to, and I believe could save lives.

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the Senedd or Welsh Government is not responsible for.

The Government of Wales Act 2006 establishes the extent of the Senedd’s power to make new laws and amend existing law (also known as legislative competence). Schedules 7A and 7B of the 2006 Act set out the issues which are ‘restricted’ or ‘reserved’ - i.e. areas where the UK Parliament, not the Senedd, can legislate.
In order to make it a legal requirement for cyclists to use wear high visibility clothing, a road traffic offence would have to be created for failing to do so. Road traffic offences are the responsibility of UK Parliament and not the Senedd or Welsh Government.
As a result, it is not possible for the Senedd to take the action called for by your petition.
Further information about the legislative powers of the Senedd can be found here:
https://senedd.wales/en/abthome/role-of-assembly-how-it-works/Pages/Powers.aspx

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Date submitted 15 December 2021
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