Police: Use of reflectors must on bicycles

Kolkata: Kolkata Traffic Police has decided to make reflectors mandatory for cyclists in Kolkata. While the first few weeks will be used for creating awareness, the cops said anyone flouting the rule would be stopped on the road from next month.
Several traffic guards — including the east and Jorabagan — have begun distributing these reflectors as part of the Safe Drive Save life campaign.
“Each year, we have a special focus for the Safe Drive Save Life campaign. On most occasions, two-wheelers are our main focus areas. The cyclists are now an integral part of Kolkata’s post Covid transport infrastructure and with work on dedicated cycle lanes already on, we have decided to concentrate on cyclists,” explained an officer from the east traffic guard.
Reflectors are provided on spokes of wheels, on the pedals and on the front and rear mudguard. It uses the principle of retro-reflection to alert another motorist of a bicycle’s presence on the road. Any light internally reflecting is directed back out on the front of the reflector in the direction it came from. This alerts driver who are close to the cyclist.
The east traffic guard has also launched a road campaign and distributed yellow caps to cyclists. “The whole idea is to increase visibility for cyclists at night. It is an essential security measure. While we will also introduce the rear light clause, we want to begin with the reflectors first,” said a senior IPS officer at Lalbazar. Cops say that though any good quality reflector can be visible from a distance, the red and yellow reflectors are the most common ones.
“Many people are being forced to use cycles and we must give them time to adapt to the rules. For now, we want to promote good cycling practices and want to reward those, who follow the rules. During each counselling session on the road, we ask them to even wear fluorescent clothes and helmets. The new age cyclists are following these basic rules. They can act as our examples,” said a Lalbazar officer.
For future, cops have decided on a few provisions under which cyclists can be penalized. “Since Motor Vehicles Act will not be applicable, we will use the Kolkata Police Act, under which cycles of errant riders can be confiscated,” an officer said.