Causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless cycling is set to become an offence in the UK.
Under new laws set to be introduced by the government, cyclists will now face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists.
The amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill was put forward by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and has received backing by ministers.
UK 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.”
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The government will next bring forward the updated amendment to the bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further debated.
Paul Williams, CEO of specialist cycling insurance provider Cycleplan, warned that the introduction of the new offence is complex and must be considered against the wider context of road safety.
“Of course, it’s imperative that everyone is bound by the same levels of responsibility and consideration to their fellow road users.
“So, 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.”
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According to Williams, the UK lags when it comes to developing safe and secure cycling routes.
“More users on the road creates a greater opportunity for accidents to occur, so improving this must be a key consideration.
“On the whole, cycling contributes positively to our communities, not least promoting better physical and mental health, reducing carbon emissions and cutting congestion in our towns and cities.
“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.”
Achievements and innovations in active travel and road safety will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
