Cyclists who kill pedestrians will face a maximum sentence of life in prison under new laws. The offence of causing death by dangerous cycling will be amended to be made consistent with motoring laws, according to The Telegraph.
The changes, being led by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, will close a loophole that has allowed cyclists who struck and kill pedestrians to be prosecuted under an “archaic” and “inadequate” 1861 law meant for riders of horse-drawn carriages. As it stands, those guilt of dangerous or reckless cycling can usually only be given a maximum two-year jail term for “wanton and furious” riding.
The changes come following a campaign steered by Matt Briggs, who has fought for a change in the law after the death of his wife Kim, 44.
Kim was killed by a 20-year-old cyclist on an illegal “fixie” bike in Old Street, East London, in 2016. The campaigner said he was “delighted” at the law change.
He said: “After losing Kim in 2016, I began campaigning the following year to have these laws enacted. The use of the wanton and furious charge for so many cases has been inadequate and archaic.
“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.”
A DfT spokesman said: “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.”