POLL OF THE DAY: Are cyclists making Britain's roads a nightmare? - YOUR VERDICT
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
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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.
POLL OF THE DAY: Are cyclists making Britain's roads a nightmare? - YOUR VERDICT
GB News
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.
In an exclusive poll for GB News membership readers, an overwhelming majority (88 per cent) of the 1,000 voters thought cyclists are making Britain's roads a nightmare, while just 10 per cent thought they weren't. Two per cent said they did not know.
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.
Nick Freeman said that cyclists riding faster than cars was creating chaos on the roads
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“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."
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.
“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.
With that in mind, what do you think, are cyclists making Britain's roads a nightmare? Have your say.