Written question asked by Rob Marris (Labour) on Thursday, 13 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 February 2005. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what research the Government has had carried out on (a) the extent of and (b) the safety implications of the use of mobile telephones by cyclists whilst cycling.

Answer: Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research the Government had carried out on (a) the extent of and (b) the safety implications of the use of mobile telephones by cyclists while cycling. [209599] Mr. Jamieson: We are not aware of evidence specifically on cyclists and the safety of using mobile phones. But the Highway Code already tells cyclists to keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear. The police have powers under sections 28 and 29 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as amended, to deal with cyclists they consider to be riding dangerously, or carelessly or inconsiderately, through using mobile phones or for any other reason.

Secondary information