A proposed UK legislation could bring lifetime imprisonment for pedestrians killed by reckless cyclists, aiming to crack down on the dangerous practice and provide clearer prosecution options. The new law seeks to update a 19th-century law that has been criticized as inadequate.
The proposed changes aim to bring death by dangerous cycling into line with driving laws, providing a clearer and more effective way of prosecuting those responsible for such incidents.
Proposed legislation refers to bills or laws that have been introduced in a government's legislative body but have not yet been passed.
These proposals can come from lawmakers, citizens, or interest groups and aim to address specific issues or problems within society.
Key characteristics of proposed legislation include its introduction, public hearings, and potential passage into law.
Proposed legislation often sparks debate among stakeholders, with some advocating for its implementation and others opposing it.
Currently, the law governing reckless cycling dates back to the 1860s, with a maximum sentence of two years in prison. However, campaigners argue that this is not sufficient, particularly after high-profile cases where cyclists have been involved in fatal accidents.
Reckless cycling laws vary by country and region, but generally involve behaviors such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or putting others at risk.
In the UK, for example, reckless cycling is defined under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on severity.
In the US, laws differ by state, with some allowing cyclists to ride on sidewalks and others prohibiting it.
A Call for Justice
The introduction of new legislation has been welcomed by many, including the families of those who have lost loved ones to reckless cycling. Matt Briggs, whose wife Kim was killed by a cyclist nine years ago, expressed his delight at the government’s decision to bring about change. ‘After losing Kim in 2016, I began campaigning the following year to have these laws enacted,’ he said. ‘The use of the ‘wanton and furious’ charge has been inadequate and archaic.‘
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 270,000 cyclists die on roads worldwide each year.
In the United States alone, cycling fatalities account for approximately 817 deaths annually.
The majority of these incidents occur in urban areas, often due to collisions with motor vehicles or poor road conditions.
Factors contributing to cycling fatalities include inadequate infrastructure, reckless driving, and a lack of safety awareness among cyclists.
Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts from governments, communities, and individuals to create safer environments for all road users.
The Labour government has promised to invest ‘unprecedented levels of funding‘ into cycling infrastructure, aiming to encourage more people to take up the sport while meeting its net zero targets.
Concerns from the Cycling Community
However, not all cyclists are in favour of the new laws. Chris Boardman, former Olympic cyclist and national active travel commissioner for England, has expressed concerns that the proposed legislation could prevent people from cycling. ‘The new laws could prevent people from cycling,’ he said. ‘We need to make sure that we’re not creating a culture where people are afraid to get on their bikes.‘
A Department for Transport spokesperson acknowledged that the safety of roads is a key priority, stating that the government aims to ensure that those who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law.
