CYCLE shop owners in Swindon are sceptical about plans to make cycle bells compulsory.

The Government has announced plans to ring the changes over the bells.

From next May, all new bicycles will have to be fitted with bells as standard, following calls from safety campaigners.

But cycle shop owners in the town are dubious about how the new rules will be received among the cycling community in the town.

Swindon Bicycle Users Group chairman Marc Taylor, 42, said: "Having a bell is just a way of announcing your approach. I normally say 'coming through', followed by a 'thank you'.

"Really having a bell is a means to an end. It is incumbent on the cyclist to ensure that we drive according the conditions of the road and within the law.

"And that means slowing down if we see people in the way, or if we are going past animals. It also means that we do not cycle on the pavement."

Bob Griffin, the manager of Total Bikes in Commercial Road, said: "Most of the people who come into my shop are keen racers or members of cycling clubs.

"I don't think they would take kindly to being told that they must have bells on their bikes.

"If it does become law, of course we shall fit them on our bikes, but I know that as soon as some of our customers buy the bikes, they will take them outside the shop and remove the bell.

"My personal view is that calling out is more effective than ringing a bell, but I can see that would not suit everyone."

Long-standing laws that made it compulsory to have a bell fitted were revoked in 1983, as part of a drive to get rid of unnecessary regulations.

But the calls for their return have been prompted by requests from campaigning groups such as the Royal Society for the prevention of accidents, which believes the measure will help cut collisions between pedestrians and cyclists.

Ministers believe that cycling on pavements is a growing nuisance.

And last year the police gained new powers to impound bikes on the spot and issue a £20 fine if their owners were found riding on pavements.