Q As a keen cyclist, I notice that you didn't mention how important it is for riders to always wear a helmet and visible high reflective cycle clothing for motorists to see any cyclist clearly on the roads. Many riders wear dark clothing that camouflage them into the background which makes it more difficult for motorists to see and avoid.
A I've seen families out together on their bikes, which is wonderful, but with young children in dark clothing and some parents without helmets. I've also seen parents with a child seat on the back of the bike with no reflective clothing for either the child or the parent.
No government would pass laws defining what clothes we should wear, and we want to encourage cycling as an everyday pursuit, where normal clothes would be worn, of course.
Unfortunately, the fashion industry tends to produce clothing in drab colours that don't show the dirt and in Winter, particularly, that tends to be Dark Blue, Grey.
Mention of the fashion industry, or more particularly the general public attitude to what other people are wearing reminds me that many people resent bright 'lycra clad' cyclists, although we are increasingly seeing people wearing close fitting Gym clothes in public, so perhaps fashion is moving.
You say that you are a keen cyclist, and most club cyclists tend to wear Club Colours but it is the everyday cyclist who doesn't want to wear special clothes just to pop out on their bike, and why should they? Often such gear is expensive.
It is the responsibility of all road users to take care and watch what they are doing, but I agree that if it is practical, cyclists should choose to slip on something bright to make themselves stand out on the road. We nearly all choose to wear raincoats if it is raining, or likely to, for our own defence so why not a bright jacket or shirt of some kind?
Never mind your own protection, if you are transporting a child your responsibilities increase. It would be a good idea if all cycle child seats were reflective bright yellow or orange for motorist to see clearly, but again, there is no legislation.
Also, I've noticed that more cycle riders are using flashing lights on back & front during day as well as night times, but again this depends very much on the type of cycling although it is a great improvement to visibility.
You can see this is not an easy issue to tackle.