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Proposed Legal Changes Could Increase Penalties for Dangerous Cycling
Cyclists who cause fatalities among pedestrians due to reckless behavior may soon face life imprisonment, according to a proposed amendment to existing legislation. This overhaul aims to align penalties for cycling offenses with those applicable to motor vehicle drivers.
Under the current law, cycling-related offenses are governed by an 1861 statute, limiting imprisonment for offenders to a maximum of two years. The new amendment, part of the ongoing Crime and Policing Bill, seeks to modernize these regulations, as stated by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Should the amendment pass, serious incidents involving dangerous cycling that lead to injuries or fatalities could lead to penalties of up to five years in prison, substantial fines, or both. Furthermore, serious injuries caused by careless cycling may result in sentences of two years, fines, or a combination of the two.
Recent statistics indicate that of the approximately 1,600 road fatalities across the UK last year, only four were related to cyclists, according to government estimates.
A representative from the DfT emphasized the urgent need to update this outdated legislation, asserting that the actions of a minority of reckless cyclists must be met with appropriate legal consequences. The spokesperson elaborated, stating, “Dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable, and the safety of our roads remains a top priority for this government.”
The amendment currently resides in the committee phase of the Crime and Policing Bill and will be reviewed by Parliament in due time. Past efforts to reform cycling laws have been championed by Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who advocated for cyclist accountability through amendments to previous legislation, including the Criminal Justice Bill.
Smith’s advocacy was influenced by the tragic case of Matthew Briggs, whose wife, Kim, suffered fatal injuries following a collision with a cyclist in 2016. The case received significant media attention when Charlie Alliston, the cyclist involved, was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of causing bodily harm through reckless cycling.
Briggs expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposed changes and remarked that his persistent advocacy is nearing a pivotal moment. He noted, “I feel delight not just for me, but for the families of individuals who have died since Kim’s passing, who have all consistently pushed for meaningful change.” He criticized the current lack of legal accountability for cyclists, deeming it “incomprehensible” that cycling operates under such outdated laws.
Additionally, a government official associated with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted the personal significance of this legislative change for her, particularly as she was Briggs’ MP during the time of the incident. Briggs commended Alexander for her continued support and determination to challenge powerful cycling advocacy groups in pursuit of this legal reform.
While acknowledging that this proposed amendment represents a crucial advancement for the families affected by cycling-related tragedies, the government source also highlighted the broader issue of road safety, emphasizing that comprehensive strategies addressing all road user behaviors, not just those of cyclists, will be prioritized in forthcoming initiatives.
Source
www.bbc.com