Major new laws are set to be introduced in the near future which will crack down on dangerous cyclists who harm pedestrians or other road users with their actions.
From today, May 16, the Government has agreed to introduce new laws meaning that cyclists who kill or seriously injure people through reckless actions face harsher penalties.
Under changes to the Criminal Justice Bill, a new addition will be introduced to deal with "causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling".
It means that cyclists who ride in a reckless manner now face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists who do the same.
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Cyclists could face up to 14 years in prison under the new proposals
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The new amendments will be brought forward as the Bill enters the House of Lords, where it will be debated further.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced his support for the new rules, saying it would not apply to most cyclists, who are responsible and considerate.
He added: "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."
The MP for the Forest of Dean also thanked fellow Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith for his work in bringing the amendment forward.
He added that the new rules were dedicated to campaigners who worked tirelessly on the issue, saying it was "in recognition of their efforts in particular".
The new rules could see dangerous cyclists who kill or seriously injure other people face maximum prison sentences as long as 14 years.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith raised the topic in the House of Commons on behalf of Matt Briggs, whose wife Kim died after she was knocked down by a cyclist.
Smith noted how the campaign led by Briggs had moved him, prompting him to bring forward the amendments, saying that "action is better than inaction in so many cases".
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, said: "It’s very simply an amendment to try and bring for some reason what has been left completely out of the normal criminal codes and the Highway Code.
"This is not anti-cycling, quite the opposite, this is about making sure this takes place in a safe and reasonable manner.
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Mark Harper said the new rules would protect 'law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians and other road users'
GETTY"A Victorian-era law is currently in operation for dangerous cycling, which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, if a prosecution is even pursued, compared to up to 14 years for dangerous driving."
