WHAT are your thoughts on this? The UK Government has 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."
The Government will bring forward an updated amendment to the Bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further debated.
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."
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."
The Government will bring forward an updated amendment to the Bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further debated.
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."
Community Comments
That small minority, think they're untouchable. Because bikes don't have number plates, and there are major restrictions, making it unlikely that the Police will chase them. It's rare, for them to kill someone else, although sadly, it DOES happen. They're more likely to kill themselves, by hitting a vehicle. But if they know that they could potentially be jailed for 14 years if they kill someone in an accident. Then hopefully, they'll stop riding so dangerously.
There's already a law to deal with cyclists riding too fast, although it's very rarely enforced. It's called "riding furiously", and has nothing to do with speed limits. It's for those who ride at dangerous speeds. I don't know whether the national speed limit in the Isle of Man has changed in recent years or not. But the last time I looked into it. There were many, completely unrestricted roads there (just like the unrestricted sections of the Autobahns in Germany). So they have an offence of "driving furiously" for those who drive dangerously fast on those roads. It's exactly the same offence, just for different types of vehicle.
I know, that most cyclists ride safely, despite the stereotype. If anyone with a dashcam, takes the time to look back at their footage. They'll find that most of the cyclists they encounter, don't take excessive risks. Why would they?
They're one of the most vulnerable road users. But we all know, that there's a minority, who think that they can ride dangerously, and they feel untouchable. Because there's little, the Police can do about it. This new offence, should provide the deterrent needed. Not just to protect pedestrians, but to protect the cyclists too. Because they'll hopefully, stop taking excessive risks.
Therefore should be treated equally .
It's not like it will matter to the vast majority of cyclists. They ride safely anyway, so it'll never affect them.
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