A NEW Forest MP has launched an attack on “rogue” cyclists after claiming those without bells are putting pedestrians at risk.

In a statement given in the House of Commons, Dr Julian Lewis, who represents the east side of the Forest, called on the government to think again on making bells a compulsory measure for cyclists up and down the country.

Speaking to Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom yesterday, the MP said he received an “incipient” response to his query from the transport ministry last year.

Currently, the highway code says that it is not a legal requirement to have a bell fitted.

Speaking in the Commons, Dr Lewis said: “Speeding cyclists on rural roads in the New Forest are putting residents and other pedestrians at risk, simply because they cannot be bothered to fit a bell on their bikes, so that they can warn pedestrians of their approach.

“When I wrote to the transport ministry about this 18 months ago, he replied that through rule 66 of the highway code, we recommend a bell to be fitted to a bicycle and used as necessary. Under current regulations, the cyclist is not compelled to keep the bell fitted after the bicycle has been purchased.”

The ministry added that there are currently no plans to make bells compulsory as it would be “difficult to enforce”.

The MP called for a government response so his “constituents can go about their business without fear of being mowed down by silent rogue cyclists”.

The Conservative MP’s comments have been met with criticism, with secretary of the New Forest Cycling Club, Stewart Ward saying that he has never heard of any injuries suffered by a pedestrian because of a cyclist in the Forest.

Dr Lewis has previously called for organised cycling events that take place across the Forest to be regulated.

Mr Ward responded by saying cyclists have every right to be on the rural roads, and that pedestrians have a duty to watch where they are going, as do cyclists.

He said: “While these are only my views as opposed to the cycling club itself, I would disagree with the idea that all cyclists should be wearing a bell.

“Yes we need to watch where we are going, but pedestrians have a duty to do the same.

“It would be interesting to see the statistics as to how many cyclists have been injured by cars compared to bikes injuring pedestrians. I am assuming Dr Lewis is speaking from some experiences he has been told of, but I personally am not aware of any cases.

“Putting that rule in place could deter people from cycling which is the last thing anyone wants. For example, I always wear a helmet, but I wouldn’t want to tell everyone that they must do so.

“Perhaps Dr Lewis will have a letter from me soon too!”