New laws are to be introduced to prosecute dangerous cyclists helping protect law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians and other road users while ensuring justice is done.
The government has this week agreed to introduce new laws so cyclists who kill or seriously injure because of dangerous cycling, or who kill through careless cycling, face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists who do so.
Under the change, dangerous cyclists could face up to 14 years in prison.
Ministers have backed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, put forward by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP who said cyclists should be accountable for reckless behaviour, and to introduce the ‘Offence of causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling’.
Mims Davies MP said:
"New laws are being introduced to prosecute dangerous cyclists.
This is with the aim of helping protect those careful cyclists, pedestrians and other road users who are behaving sensibly on our roads.
Ensuring all road users peace of mind and can return home to their loved ones safely."
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.
I would like to thank Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP for bringing forward this amendment, and to all the campaigners who have tirelessly highlighted this issue – this is in recognition of their efforts in particular."
