Loraine, I have no objection in theory to cyclists being identified. However, the practical aspects of doing so mean it is a non-starter. In the example you quote, I beg leave to doubt if you would have been able to read the digits on a small plate attached to the rear of a bicycle saddle when the bicycle was moving away from you, unless you are blessed with the vision of a hawk. In any case, such a fixing would often be obscured by the cyclist's cape, possibly by a back-pack, or by items carried on a fitted carrier. Some bicycles have their rear lights or reflectors attached to the back of the saddle. Of course, if you wanted plates the size of a car number plate attached to the rear of a bike, sticking out at both sides, then I would look forward to you complaining about being side-swiped by one going along the cycle lane while you were standing on the edge of the footpath waiting to cross.
Richard Greenhough ● 1949d