A SUGGESTION by a police boss that cyclists should wear identification similar to car number plates has sparked a national debate.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne’s idea to catch law-breaking cyclists was dismissed as “barmy” by some.

But others agreed it could help hold dangerous cyclists to account.

She told a meeting chaired by The Argus on Monday: “I would like to see cyclists wear some form of identification, like cars have.

“So when they go through traffic lights, you can identify them and then you can prosecute them for breaking the law.

“That would make life a lot easier for everybody. But that is probably something for our members of the legislature to take up on our behalf.”

Cycling writer Carlton Reid told the BBC that number plates on cars did not stop motorists regularly breaking the law.

He said: “70% of motorists admit in surveys to going over the speed limit. They have registration plates.”

Brighton community transport activist Mark Strong told The Argus that registration was a “complete non-starter” and improving roads for cyclists would be better. He added: “When people feel excluded from society they don’t feel they have to give anything back.”

Brighton resident Valerie Paynter, who is disabled, said cyclists should be traceable so they could be held to account.

She added: “I am disabled but the fact is, people don’t necessarily see that. All they see is the back of a person’s head and they are not in a position to gauge how quickly someone can get out of the way.

“I once had a man drag me out of the way of a bicycle heading for my back.”

Yesterday, Mrs Bourne issued a statement in which she did not repeat her original suggestion about identification but said: “Effective CCTV monitoring is already helping Sussex Police to identify law-breakers and I welcome the debate – and any practical suggestions – that enable people to share our roads safely and responsibly.”

She added: “Sussex Police enforce the law through regular days of action, pro-active awareness campaigns and working with partners.

“However, prosecution can only happen when an irresponsible road user is caught in the act.”

Her office politely declined an invitation for her to come on a bike ride with The Argus.