Causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless cycling is set to become an offence, after the Government agreed to a change in the law.
Under the change, reported by BBC News, dangerous cyclists could face up to 14 years in prison.
It has followed campaigning by Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith, who said cyclists should be accountable for ‘reckless behaviour’.
Mr Duncan Smith had proposed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said his proposal was not “anti-cycling”.
“Quite the opposite, it’s about making sure this takes place in a safe and reasonable manner,” he said.
Mr Duncan Smith raised the case of Matthew Briggs, whose wife died from head injuries following a collision with a cyclist in London in 2016.
Sir Iain told MPs that Mr Briggs’ attempt to get a cyclist prosecuted “involved a legal process that was so convoluted and difficult” even the presiding judge raised concerns and said the laws “needed to be addressed”.
His proposed amendment creates an offence of causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling.
He said it would “achieve equal accountability” adding: “Just as drivers are held accountable for dangerous driving that results in death, cyclists I think should face similar consequences for reckless behaviour that leads to fatalities.”
Backing the change, transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: “Most cyclists, like most drivers, are responsible and considerate.
“But it’s only right that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full weight of the law for doing so.”
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