Proposed legislation could see cyclists who pose a danger to pedestrians facing life imprisonment, a significant increase from the current maximum penalty of two years. The Department for Transport (DfT) is pushing for cycling offenses to be aligned with driving offenses, with offenders potentially facing up to five years in jail, fines, or both for causing serious injury or death.
According to government estimates, of the 1,600 deaths on UK roads last year, only four were attributed to cyclists. The DfT emphasizes the importance of updating outdated laws to hold individuals accountable for reckless behavior on the roads, particularly when it comes to dangerous cycling. The proposed changes aim to ensure that those who disregard the safety of others are met with severe consequences.
The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill is currently progressing through Parliament, where it will be debated in due course. The move to update legislation surrounding cycling offenses has garnered support from various individuals and groups, including Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who has campaigned for accountability in cases of reckless cycling.
Matthew Briggs, whose wife tragically passed away after a collision with a cyclist in 2016, has been a vocal advocate for legal changes to address such incidents. The government’s commitment to implementing these amendments is seen as a significant step towards enhancing road safety and holding individuals accountable for their actions, ultimately working towards preventing further tragedies on UK roads
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