Transportation secretary's plans could 'dramatically change' rules for cyclists
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Government officials are reportedly considering changes to UK road laws, which could mean that cyclists will be required to have insurance and add license plates to their bicycles. did.
The Daily Mail said "There is a growing belief among ministers that riders should obey the same speed limits and other road rules as motor vehicles." Transportation Secretary Grant Shaps has called for a broad overhaul of the laws surrounding cycling "as part of a broader crackdown on aggressive minority cyclists."
"The only time cyclists are actually breaking the law is when they speed, and that's not right. So I definitely suggest extending the speed limit limit to cyclists." Shaps he told the Mail.
What changes are possible?
In an interview with Nick Ferrari of LBCin January, Shaps announced that he wanted to make deaths from dangerous cycling a new crime. However, according to cycling news site Road.cc, the latest proposal goes "well beyond" the measure and how cyclists who break road rules could be pursued by police. A proposed review has been set to consider whether
The Mail reported that the Department of Transportation may be considering changing the rule, which would allow cyclists to use "license plates or another form of identifiable marking for enforcement purposes." means that the should be displayed.
The minister also reportedly wanted to consider introducing compulsory insurance, "to ensure that pedestrians seriously injured by reckless riders can secure compensation." The paper went on to say that it would allow The “old-fashioned” legal loophole is that cyclists who cause them to face the death penalty can be sentenced to up to two years in prison, while motorists can be sentenced to life imprisonment. I mean
Amid heightened tensions following changes to the Highway Actthat went into effect in January, the changes "will create greater equality", he said. email said.
What was the reaction?
These plans will cause "dramatic changes in road law" in the UK, Cycling Weekly Cycling UK director Matt Mallinder told the publication. The charity said it was "not opposed" to changing the law on cycling offenses. We must finally deliver on our 2014 promise to review the
"See new offenses for dangerous cycling deaths being added to statute alone when they simply reflect ineffective driving violations." It's frustrating," continued Mallinder.
Email Melissa Kite agreed with the proposal. "Of course, most cyclists are law-abiding and just want to get from point A to point B safely," she wrote. However, she added, "A few dangerous cyclists risk tarnishing the name of the majority and need to be checked." 's political power is now such that other road users are forced to bow before it." ”. Shaps' plan is "a good start," she continued, adding that political leaders "must stand more firmly against cycling's lobbying" and "hold cyclists accountable."
Speaking to Road.cc January, Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's head of campaigns, called the cycling violation "isolated". To introduce "simply put a plaster on a broken system because the current careless and dangerous driving violations are not fit for purpose."
What's next? does it happen?
The current proposal would add deaths from dangerous bicycle violations to a traffic bill due to be submitted to Congress in the fall, reported Metro . .
But if Boris Johnson's successor chooses a cabinet reshuffle in September, Shaps may not be in his position as Secretary of Transportation by the time the bill is read. "It will put pressure on his successors to do a review," said The Telegraph.
The review is likely to "also raise questions about drink-driving limits and whether age limits are necessary to keep children from being subject to rigid rules," } Joe.co.ukstated. }
