Richmond Cycling Campaign has ridiculed suggestions that the law could be changed to require bikes to have number plates.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps. Is reportedly considering the idea as part of a wider crackdown on cyclists.

This would include requiring cyclists to stick to the same speed limits as motorists, for example the increasing number of 20mph zones, and get insurance.

In theory, the change would also make it easier to prosecute cyclists who go through a red light or ride dangerously.

However, critics say the idea would create a massive and expensive new bureaucracy, while the evidence makes clear that cyclists are more in danger from vehicles than the other way around.

Similarly, pedestrians face a much greater threat from law-breaking, speeding vehicles than bicycles.

At the same time, it could drive people away from using bicycles to get around, just as the nation is being urged to cut their use of polluting cars.

Tim Lennon, the borough co-ordinator for the Richmond Cycling Campaign, said: "There's a good reason that no developed country has a system for registering either cyclists or the cycles themselves: it's a terrible use of public money and police time, and it never achieves the desired outcome.

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"Police in the UK already have the powers to stop cyclists for a wide range of reasons and charge them. There's no indication that adding new legislation or regulation will make any difference to the number of incidents involving people on bikes, but lots of evidence it would be a waste of police time and resources."

Mr Lennon said: "Right now, police in Richmond aren't even able to properly support school streets and making it safe for our children to walk and cycle to school:

"Our members are regularly asking borough officers to monitor junctions, deal with speeding, and run close pass operations, but these aren't happening.

"If the Government really wants rules that will make the road safer, why not give cars the same rules as ebikes? An ebike is electronically limited to 15.5mph, but you can buy a car capable of breaking most speed limits within seconds - how about speed limiters on all vehicles?

"Or if insurance and registration is so important, how about we deal with the tens of thousands of vehicles which don't have either?"

He added: "This is just a silly-season story which will disappear into the ether once some poor civil servant has finished the report which demonstrates what a terrible waste of time and money it would be."