Cyclists who kill pedestrians could now face life behind bars in England in Wales under new legislation.
The Crime and Policing Bill would see death by dangerous cycling aligned with current motoring laws under amendments tabled on Thursday, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander intends to close a loophole in the current ‘archaic’ and ‘inadequate’ Victorian legislation, also known as the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The legislation was created to address the dangers posed by the increasing use of horse-drawn carriages in the mid-19th century. Sentencing ranges from a fine to a maximum of two years in prison.
Campaigners have previously called for tougher laws as the Victorian legislation was quite clearly not designed for the ‘superbikes’ of the 21st century but, rather, for primitive push bikes, horses and carriages.
But once the new law – led by the Transport Secretary – is ushered through Parliament cyclists who cause death or serious injury by dangerous cycling could face life or five years behind bars.
Riders, who are also found guilty of causing death of serious injury due to careless or inconsiderate cycling could be hit with as much as five and two years in prison, according to The Telegraph.
Grieving families of those killed by cyclists, have welcomed the amendments to the legislation.
Matt Briggs who has led the campaign for over decade after his wife Kim, 44, was killed by a reckless teen rider in east London in 2016 as she crossed the road on her lunch break, said he was ‘delighted’ by the update.
Mr Briggs’ wife Kim was killed in east London in 2016 when she was hit by Charlie Alliston, who was jailed for 18 months in 2017.
The then 18-year-old was travelling at 18mph on an illegal Olympic-style bike with no front brakes when he crashed into 44-year-old Kim as she crossed the road on her lunch break.
Mr Briggs told The Telegraph: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that this Labour government has followed through with our calls for new legislation.
‘This isn’t just a victory for me and my family, it’s also a victory for all the families who have worked tirelessly through their unbearable tragedies to have these laws changed.’
However ex Olympic cyclist and National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman has argued tougher laws could deter people opting to use a bikes over motors.
A Department for Transport spokesman told the publication: ‘Dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable, and the safety of our roads is a key priority for this Government.
‘The Government is proposing new offences and penalties for dangerous cycling, updating legislation that is over 160 years old, to ensure that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law.
‘These are being brought forward as part of the Crime and Policing Bill, and will be debated in due course.’
has approached the Department for Transport for comment.