Can I ask members not to turn the thread into a cyclists vs car drivers argument we have discussed cyclists in the past and most agreed there are bad cyclists and bad car drivers its always the few that spoil it for the majority.
Please read the full article before commenting as this is only a small part of it.
------------Death by dangerous cycling set to become offence - BBC News
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, dangerous cyclists could face up to 14 years in prison.
It followed campaigning by Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith who said cyclists should be accountable for reckless behaviour.
The former Conservative leader had proposed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Iain 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 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."
Speaking to the BBC earlier this week, Duncan Dollimore from Cycling UK said he had "massive compassion" for people who had lost family members in collisions but that he did not believe there was a "huge gap" in the law.
He said incidents were rare but that cyclists who had caused deaths had been charged, convicted and sent to prison under existing legislation.
Chris Boardman, the cycling and walking commissioner for Active Travel England, told BBC Radio 5 Live there was a greater need to focus on deaths and injuries caused by motor vehicle collisions.
The former Olympic cyclist said: "Everyone should obey the law of the road but there are more people that will be killed by cows and lightning than by cyclists... That's the context and perspective I'd like to put back into this conversation."
Full article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-69016715
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However, calls for registration schemes, licensing and insurance should be coupled to a ramping up of investment in cycling infrastructure. That would enable more people feeling comfortable to get on their bikes, or take up cycling. Maybe the PM could score some points by taking this up (ok- no election discussion please).
