Government to undergo ‘radical shake-up’ of cycling laws

10.29 | 17 August 2022 | | 4 comments

Reports suggest the Government could move to introduce registration numbers and insurance for cyclists – as well as penalties for riders who fail to observe speed limits.

According to the Daily Mail, there is a growing belief among ministers that riders should face the same speed restrictions and other road rules as motorists.

An area of particular concern is speeding on roads with a 20mph limit.

To achieve this, transport secretary Grant Shapps has suggested the Government will carry out a review looking at how cyclists who flout the law can be tracked down by police.

This includes considering mandatory number plates – or another form of identifiable markings – for enforcement purposes.

As part of a planned review, they will also consider insurance, enabling any pedestrians seriously injured by riders to secure compensation.

This follows on from news the Government is looking to create a new offence of death by dangerous cycling – announced earlier this month.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Somewhere where cyclists are actually not breaking the law is when they speed, and that cannot be right, so I absolutely propose extending speed limit restrictions to cyclists.

“Particularly where you’ve got 20mph limits on increasing numbers of roads, cyclists can easily exceed those, so I want to make speed limits apply to cyclists.

“That obviously does then lead you into the question of: ‘Well, how are you going to recognise the cyclist? Do you need registration plates and insurance? And that sort of thing’.

“So I’m proposing there should be a review of insurance and how you actually track cyclists who do break the laws.”

There has been a well documented rise in cycling over the last few years, brought around by the Covid pandemic.

Mr Shapps added: “I don’t want to stop people from getting on their bike. It’s a fantastic way to travel, we’ve seen a big explosion of cycling during Covid and since, I think it has lots of health benefits.

“But I see no reason why cyclists should break the road laws, why they should speed, why they should bust red lights and be able to get away with it.”


 

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    This is the best news I have heard for ages. Why has it taken so long for a Government minister to speak out? Why should cyclists be above the law? Why should they be allowed to ride with impunity all over our pavements terrorizing pedestrians, failing to have bike lights, going faster than cars (I’ve seen this) and going through red traffic lights? Identify them by mandatory number plates and prosecute them.
    As a disabled pensioner who does not drive, I want to be able to walk along pavements like I used to do without being terrorized by lawless cyclists. I know feel a glimmer of hope… Thank you Grant Shapps.


    Christina Young, Liverpool
    Agree (3) | Disagree (3)
    0

    Yes, make it the law for me, as a cyclist, to obey speed limits AND I WILL. I obey ALL other laws, including, but not limited, to stopping at stop signs.

    Unlike those motorosits who BREAK the law along Deighton Road, knowing full well that there is a speed limit.

    Number plate = NO. Personal identification (eg name on clothing etc) = Maybe.
    Why ‘NO’, because the next step is vehicle tax! ie more taxes not less.

    PS I am properly insured. I tell other cyclist that it is madness not to be.


    Kenneth Brewer, Wetherby
    Agree (0) | Disagree (3)
    --3

    The government want people out of cars and using active travel options. Despite the big talk they won’t introduce anything that puts people off cycling.


    Keith Wheeler, MK
    Agree (5) | Disagree (1)
    +4

    “This includes considering mandatory number plates – or another form of identifiable markings – for enforcement purposes.
    As part of a planned review, they will also consider insurance, enabling any pedestrians seriously injured by riders to secure compensation.”

    Good luck!

    Crazy stuff – how about putting more police on the roads/footpaths?


    Elaine Hardy, Belfast
    Agree (5) | Disagree (4)
    +1

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