The amendments have been criticised by some cyclists. Chris Boardman, the former Olympic cyclist and national active travel commissioner for England, said the new laws could prevent people from cycling.
Really? What new laws are these?
The offence of causing death by dangerous cycling would be brought into line with driving laws under amendments tabled on Thursday, the Department for Transport said.
Well, Chris, I guess asking lycra louts and MAMILs to obey the basics and not put pedestrians at risk is just too much for some. Is that really the message you wanted to send?
A DfT spokesperson said: “Dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable, and the safety of our roads is a key priority for this government. “The government is proposing new offences and penalties for dangerous cycling, updating legislation that is over 160 years old, to ensure that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law.
Chris seems to think it's more than a tiny minority. Maybe Chris is wrong?
“These are being brought forward as part of the crime and policing bill and will be debated in due course.”
I can't wait for Chris to announce his participation in the debate!
"new laws could prevent people from cycling."
ReplyDeleteThat's true. If you are in prison for causing death by dangerous cycling, I imagine you won't have much opportunity for cycling.
Quite odd really that anyone would not consider the new law to be a good thing. Are cyclists so used to being able to ride how they like that the notion they might be held accountable confuses them.
Yes, the entitlement is pretty strong in them…
DeleteWell the death by dangerous driving laws don't keep the roads free of traffic, so I fail to see why people would refrain from cycling just because they can no longer kill pedestrians
ReplyDeleteGood point!
DeleteEspecially as very fast and heavy electric bicycles now are becoming very common. They seem to get away with being classed as "bicycles".
ReplyDeleteAlso the tiny high frequency pinging thingies that have replaced good loud repeating bells do not help.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard them used!
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