CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after a successful battle which makes it compulsory to have bells on all new bicycles.
Colne Valley Society was among organisations which called for the action.
Its officers were bombarded with complaints from walkers who said they were nearly run down by cyclists who approached them from behind without warning.
Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford was called in by the society to help get something done.
She said: "I know the rule is not perfect but at least it's something.
"I'm pleased that the dangers we highlighted have been recognised."
Colne Valley Society said it wanted a rule that all bikes should have bells.
A society spokes- man said: "This is very much second best.
"But it will help the situation to some extent and it has brought the problems to the attention of the public, not least the cycling fraternity."
In 2002, the last year for which figures are available, four people died in Britain after being hit by bicycles, while 40 suffered serious injuries.
Bells on new cycles were compulsory in Britain until 1983 when the requirement was dropped.
