New laws to prosecute dangerous cyclists criticised by Cycling UK

Cycling UK has responded to the government’s crackdown on cycle offences, describing the decision as “a kneejerk plan to do part of a job badly”.

Earlier this week, the government 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.

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

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.”

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, has heavily criticised the move.

He said: “Ten years ago, government ministers recognised that road traffic laws weren’t effective in reducing irresponsible behaviour on our streets and promised a full review of traffic offences and penalties, which still hasn’t materialised.

“Having done nothing to address these much wider problems with road traffic laws, the government wants to legislate on one piece of the puzzle without having thought through how this will work more broadly – including how it plans to deal with e-scooters and other forms of micromobility, or what other road traffic offences need to be changed.

“If the government is serious about making our roads safer for everyone, it should revisit the wider review it promised ten years ago.”

The government is expected to bring forward an updated amendment to the Bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further debated.