New dangerous cycling law to be introduced

Cyclists who kill or seriously injure as a result of dangerous cycling, or who kill through careless cycling, will face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists.

Ministers have backed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, put forward by MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, to introduce the offence of causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling.

The Government says it will bring forward an updated amendment to the bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further 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.”

Dangerous cycling is already laid out in the Road Traffic Act, which includes riding in a way which "falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist" and which "would be obvious to a competent and careful cyclist that riding in that way would be dangerous".

The new law will require cyclists to make sure their vehicle "is equipped and maintained" in a legal way, including by keeping brakes in working order.

It would apply to incidents involving pedal cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and e-unicycles.

Existing legislation says that causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate driving are already offences, but the vehicle involved must be "mechanically propelled".

Paul Williams, CEO of Cycleplan, says that the introduction of this new offence 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,” he added. “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. 

“The UK is still very behind when it comes to developing safe and secure cycling routes, for example. More users on the road creates a greater opportunity for accidents to occur, so improving this must be a key consideration.

“We would also advocate for compulsory helmets, cycle-specific speed limits and mandated cycling insurance – all of which would encourage better cycling behaviour and help to reduce instances of accidents taking place. 

“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.”