One of the UK’s leading road traffic lawyers has called for new law changes to be rolled out which would see cyclists obey speed limits, in addition to having some form of identification.
Nick Freeman has spoken to GB News about how “kamikaze” cyclists may be causing chaos on the roads given the rise in lower speed limits for vehicles, especially on 20mph roads.
He has warned that instances of road traffic issues could become more common given the growing tendency to cut speeds on residential roads and in dense urban areas.
Freeman, who is often referred to as “Mr Loophole” for his ability to get clients out of road traffic offences, said that cyclists riding faster than cars was creating chaos on the roads.
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Nick Freeman has called for new driving laws for cyclists
PA/GETTY
He noted that new rules needed to be introduced to ensure all road users are safe on roads at all speeds, especially following updates to the Highway Code which set out the hierarchy of road users.
The new rules were added to the road guidance in a bid to place more responsibility on larger and more dangerous, like lorries and HGVs, while adding extra protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “Any legislation will lack teeth if cyclists remain anonymous.
“They must be required to display a form of identification – say a registered tabard or registration plate – and have a licence or insurance.
“Otherwise, it is hard for those who break the law to be caught. In other words, make the same road traffic law which applies to motor vehicles apply to cyclists and e-bikes too."
He noted how drivers in a 20mph zone are having to focus on their speedometer enough, describing it as a distraction.
The number of roads with speed limits of 20mph has grown massively in recent years, most notably in Wales where all restricted roads now have the lower limits in a bid to boost road safety.
Drivers in the capital are also impacted by 20mph roads with 215km (133 miles) of highways currently having a lower limit as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan.
There are further plans to complete speed limit changes in boroughs like Greenwich, Newham, Wandsworth, Richmond, Sutton and Merton by the end of this month.
Freeman continued, saying: “But they also have the additional responsibility of looking out for kamikaze cyclists.
“It’s such a dangerous situation and one the Government either overlooked or didn’t consider when drafting legislation for bikes and cyclists on our roads.
“The number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians is increasing exponentially – which is why there is an urgent need to legislate to ensure cyclists obey the speed limit.
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Nick Freeman has also slammed the use of 20mph speed limits on urban roads
GETTY“Roads with a 20mph limit are already causing massive congestion whilst motorists are distracted by the constant need to brake."
Freeman concluded, saying that allowing cyclists to ignore the limit makes the roads more dangerous for all road users.