Overdue dangerous cycling law to be introduced

Dangerous cycling law to equate cyclist & motorist penalties for bad behaviour

In a significant move to address road safety, a new law will soon be introduced that holds cyclists to the same standards as drivers and motorcyclists when it comes to dangerous or careless behaviour. Cyclists who kill or seriously injure someone due to reckless cycling will now face penalties akin to those imposed on motorists.

The amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, championed by MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, has garnered ministerial support. It introduces the offence of causing death by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling, as well as causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling. This proposed law aims to ensure that cyclists are held accountable for their actions on the road, just like drivers.

As the bill progresses to the House of Lords for further debate, Transport Secretary Mark Harper has emphasized the importance of this legislation. Harper stated,

“Most cyclists, like most drivers, are responsible and considerate. But it’s only right that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full weight of the law for doing so. These new measures will help protect law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users, whilst ensuring justice is done.”

Currently, the Road Traffic Act defines dangerous cycling as riding in a manner that “falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist” and is obviously dangerous to a competent cyclist. The new law will mandate that cyclists ensure their vehicles are legally equipped and maintained, including having functional brakes. It will apply to pedal cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-unicycles.

Existing laws already penalize drivers who cause death or serious injury through dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate driving, but these offences apply only to mechanically propelled vehicles. The new cycling law aims to close this gap.

Paul Williams, CEO of Cycleplan, emphasized the broader context of road safety in relation to the new law. He remarked, “Of course, it’s imperative that everyone is bound by the same levels of responsibility and consideration to their fellow road users. Rather than just introducing a punitive measure for the small number of cyclists that do ride dangerously, the Government should look to improve road safety more holistically.”

Williams pointed out that the UK lags in developing safe cycling infrastructure, which could reduce the potential for accidents. He advocated for measures such as compulsory helmets, cycle-specific speed limits, and mandated cycling insurance. These initiatives would promote safer cycling behavior and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

“Instead of simply directing blame at cyclists, we must work to make all road users more accountable. Only this will reduce the tragic number of fatalities, whether caused by cyclists or anyone else,” Williams concluded.

As the new law progresses, it highlights the Government’s commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring equitable treatment for all road users. The upcoming debates and potential amendments in the House of Lords will be critical in shaping a safer future for everyone on the road.?

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