Cyclists found guilty of causing death by dangerous riding could face life sentences under new legal reforms being considered.
At present, cyclists convicted of such offences can face a maximum of two years’ imprisonment, under an 1861 law initially drafted for horse-drawn carriage drivers.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), a proposed government amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill—currently before Parliament—would bring cycling offences in line with those for motorists.
If passed, the legislation would introduce sentences of up to five years in prison, fines, or both, for cases involving serious injury by dangerous cycling or causing death by careless or inconsiderate cycling.
Those causing serious injury through careless or inconsiderate cycling could face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Government estimates indicate that out of 1,600 road fatalities in the UK last year, four were attributed to cyclists.
A DfT spokesperson said the move to update the 160-year-old law seeks to “ensure that the small minority who act recklessly will face the full weight of the law.”
The spokesperson added, “Dangerous cycling is wholly unacceptable, and ensuring the safety of all road users remains a key priority for this government.”
The proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, currently at committee stage, will be debated in Parliament “in due course,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Previously, Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith led calls to reform the Criminal Justice Bill, campaigning for greater accountability among cyclists involved in dangerous incidents.
His efforts were supported by Matthew Briggs, whose wife, Kim, died after suffering fatal injuries in a 2016 collision with a cyclist.
The cyclist involved, Charlie Alliston, was riding a fixed-gear bicycle without a front brake. He was acquitted of manslaughter, but found guilty of causing bodily harm by “wanton or furious driving.”
Mr Briggs told the BBC that after years of advocacy, he now sees progress as “on the verge of a breakthrough”, but remains “cautiously optimistic” until the law is enacted.
He expressed gratitude not just on his own behalf but for other bereaved families, acknowledging their continued, calm efforts “to draw something positive from tragedy.”
Briggs described it as “incomprehensible” that cycling has effectively remained “lawless” due to “outdated” legal provisions intended for a different era.
A government source close to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said passing the legislation “at the first opportunity” is a personal priority, noting that Alexander represented Mr Briggs’ constituency at the time of his wife’s death.
Mr Briggs lauded Alexander for her “remarkable kindness,” as well as her “courage and commitment” in advocating for legal change, often in the face of a “powerful” cycling lobby.
Duncan Dollimore, campaigns manager at Cycling UK, noted the charity backs “a proportionate, evidence-based revision of the law,” but emphasized the need to avoid deterring cycling, especially when active and sustainable transport benefits both public health and the environment.
He added that such offences would affect only “a very small percentage” of cyclists, with fatal collisions caused by cycling being “extremely rare.”
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