Families of victims demand new prime minister to tighten cycling laws

Matthew Briggs, whose wife Kim was killed in a bicycle collision, met Iain Duncan Smith in the House of Commons ahead of the vote on the amendments. Photo: JULIAN SIMMONDS

Families of pedestrians killed by cyclists have written to Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer demanding that whoever becomes the next Prime Minister back new, tougher laws on dangerous cycling.

Earlier this month, the House of Commons unanimously passed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would pave the way for cyclists who kill or maim people to face jail terms similar to those handed out to motorists.

Saturday Night And Labor party, and the Conservatives have promised to pass legislation if they win the general election.

The Prime Minister's decision to call early elections last week led to the bill being rejected after it became one of dozens of bills. The proposed legislation was defeated due to lack of parliamentary time.

Now relatives of those killed in collisions with scooters or e-bikes have signed a joint letter to the Conservative and Labor leaders asking for an election pledge to introduce new laws.

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The letter, written by Matthew Briggs, whose wife Kim was killed in 2016 by a cyclist on a «fixed» bike without front brakes, stresses that any new laws should not be seen as «anti-cycling», something cycling advocates have suggested.

Instead, the letter, signed by numerous bereaved families, argues that the new laws will serve as both a deterrent to dangerous cycling (such as running red lights, riding on sidewalks or breaking the 20 mph speed limit) and and suitable punishment for such persons. who ride recklessly.

While motorists who commit murder could face a life sentence for dangerous or careless driving, cyclists face a maximum of two years in prison under Victorian law for doing so. The «erratic and furious» ride was intended for horse-drawn carriages. 

Theoretically, a manslaughter charge could be used, which could carry a life sentence, but it is unlikely to result in a conviction, especially while a lesser charge exists. Campaigners could not find an example of a murderous cyclist being jailed for manslaughter.

The families' letter, seen by the Telegraph, calls for a gap in the law to be «closed» to create «parity in fines».

It adds: «To be clear, each of us supports the idea of ​​increasing the number of cyclists in Great Britain, and we all recognize its benefits. This is about closing a legal loophole, not any anti-cycling effort.

“However, as more people cycle, there is a concomitant increase in risk, and in a modern democracy we need adequate laws to cope with all contingencies.”

This explains why the amendment brought by Sir Iain Duncan Smith , failed because it did not “clean up” legislation passed in haste before Parliament was dissolved.

“We are therefore taking the unusual step of writing to both of you asking you to commit to completing this simple, non-controversial but important legislation in the first session of Parliament if you are to succeed in the elections.” — the document concluded. .

Sir Ian told the Telegraph: “I'm going to go to both leaders and ask them to say that because it [the proposed new law] has been accepted by both parties, they will comply. him, whoever comes in.»

A Conservative spokesman said:  We are committed to introducing a new offense for dangerous cycling, ensuring that cyclists who ride dangerously are brought to justice.»

A Labor spokesman said:  Labour will change the law to protect people from dangerous cycling and we thank the families for their tireless campaigning.”

“The Criminal Justice Bill was meant to be a flagship bill for his government, but Rishi Sunak reneged on his promises to these families at that moment, when it was convenient for him. It is understood that the victims' families will feel disappointed.

Shortly after the election was announced, the charity Cycling UK wrote to its supporters asking for donations as «cycling was portrayed as culture war» issue and is being used to fuel division.»

The email asks cyclists to write to candidates «at this critical moment» to «push for increased investment in cycling» and create «streets designed for to give you more choice in how you move.”