The UK Government plans to introduce new laws aimed at holding irresponsible cyclists accountable for endangering others, subjecting them to penalties similar to those faced by drivers who cause serious harm or death.
An update to the Criminal Justice Bill, proposed by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, will create a fresh offense: ‘causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling’. This amendment, supported by ministers, will be included in the Criminal Justice Bill for scrutiny in the House of Lords.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasises, “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.”
If passed, cyclists could be subject to penalties comparable to drivers'. After a review of guidelines by the sentencing council in 2023, this could result in prison sentences extending up to life imprisonment. Drivers found guilty of causing death or serious injury through dangerous driving also receive a mandatory five-year driving ban and must undergo compulsory extended re-tests.
The latest statistics show that almost 100 cyclists lost their lives on the roads in 2022, with no reported deaths from cyclists colliding with pedestrians.
Cycling UK, a pro-cycling advocacy group, highlights that bicycles are involved in only 2% of pedestrian injuries reported by police, while car drivers account for 98% of these incidents.
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You can read about the most common cyclist misconceptions here.
