Causing death or serious injury by ‘dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling’ is to become a criminal offence in the UK and the government has committed to make the penalty match that for dangerous driving.
The Department for Transport is set to present an updated amendment to the bill when it is brought forward to the House of Lords and debated.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said, “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.
“Just like car drivers who flout the law, we are backing this legislation introducing new offences around dangerous cycling. These new measures will help protect law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, whilst ensuring justice is done.”
Some cycling groups have reacted to the news with caution. Cycling UK Head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore said, “It’s clear work needs to be done to make our streets safer for everyone, but by tinkering at the edges of reform we will be adding new offences to existing road traffic laws which already aren’t working.
“What we need is what the government promised 10 years ago; an in-depth review of road traffic laws and penalties. Better road traffic laws will help to ensure our roads are safer for all communities. It’s time the government answered our consistent call for a full review.”
Brake, the road safety charity, also pressed the Department for Transport to honour its existing road safety commitments including the publication of a new Road Safety Strategy which was promised in 2021.
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