An urgent review of the law in relation to reckless cycling is to be undertaken by the government, following a number of serious road incidents involving bicycles.

Ministers have announced that the review will look at whether or not laws governing the behaviour of people in motorised vehicles should be extended to cover cyclists.

According to the transport minister, Jesse Norman, other changes to road safety laws would also be looked at as part of the probe.

The review comes after a spate of heavily reported incidents involving cyclists. One of the most high profile was that of Kim Briggs, who was killed in Central London by a cyclist with no front brakes.

Charlie Alliston, 20, was found guilty of killing the 44 year old mother of two last month. Alliston was handed an 18 month sentence.

The successful prosecution of Alliston relied on a law from 1861 covering horse-drawn carriages, since there are no specific laws covering cyclists who cause death or injury through reckless cycling.

Ms Briggs' husband, Matthew, wants dangerous and reckless cycling to be subject to laws similar to the Road Traffic Act, which makes reckless or careless driving of motorised vehicles an offence.

At present, cyclists who cause bodily harm can be charged under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act, which prohibits "wanton and furious driving". They can also be charged with dangerous cycling, or careless cycling, which carry fines of up to £2,500 and £1,000 respectively.

Announcing the probe, Mr Norman said: “Although the UK has some of the safest roads in the world, we are always looking to make them safer.

“It’s great that cycling has become so popular in recent years but we need to make sure that our road safety rules keep pace with this change.

“We already have strict laws that ensure that drivers who put people’s lives at risk are punished but, given recent cases, it is only right for us to look at whether dangerous cyclists should face the same consequences.

“We’ve seen the devastation that reckless cycling and driving can cause, and this review will help safeguard both Britain’s cyclists and those who share the roads with them.” 

The probe will be carried out in two phases. The first will look at making causing death or injury by dangerous or careless cycling an offence and will be concluded early in 2018.

The second phase will examine other road safety and cycling issues, with a view to making public highways safer for all users.


What do you think of the review?

Do you support the decision to carry out the review of the law in relation to careless and reckless cycling? Or do you believe that current laws are sufficient?

Do let us know in the comments section or by tweeting us @startrescuecouk.