Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 15 January 2026.
Christine Grahame
Scottish National Party
2:30,
15 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage all cyclists to ensure that they are visible, particularly during the winter period, and that they comply with the requirements of the highway code. (S6O-05384)
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
We expect all road users to respect the rules of the road and follow the highway code, and advise cyclists to wear light or fluorescent clothing in poor light and reflective items in the dark.
In 2025-26, the Scottish Government invested a record £48 million in road safety, and a further £2 million was awarded to the bikeability Scotland cycle training programme, which promotes safe and responsible cycling to schoolchildren.
Police Scotland’s “Be Bright, Be Seen” campaign in Edinburgh is a great example of partnership working to promote cyclist safety during the winter months, with an emphasis on being visible.
Christine Grahame
Scottish National Party
To put down a marker, I am not demonising all cyclists, only a minority, although probably a growing one. There are far too many incidents of cyclists who do not have particularly effective rear lights—and some who have none at all—and they can be decked out from head to toe in black. On dark and often dreich evenings and mornings, some can hardly be seen until a motorist is almost on top of them and a collision just averted. I hear what the Cabinet secretary says, but would she consider working with Police Scotland on a national campaign of “Be Seen, Be Safe” or “Be Safe, Be Seen” or “Be Bright, Be Seen” or “Do whatever you like, but, for goodness sake, be seen”?
Fiona Hyslop
Scottish National Party
The advice to “Be Bright, Be Seen” is absolutely essential for cyclists and for other road users who are concerned about cyclists who do not have lights or dress brightly, particularly in the winter months. The campaign in Edinburgh has been successful and I understand that it is being expanded to the EH6 area. I will ensure that that is brought to the attention of the strategic partnership group on road safety, which I chair, because it is essential.
I can also tell the member that Road Safety Scotland’s early years and primary learning resources introduce the topic early, because we must encourage good practice as early as possible.
We must look at all the contributory factors, because accidents are a problem but near misses distress people.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
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