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New proposals to penalise those who cycle dangerously

21 October 2024

Proposals to enforce penalty points for dangerous cycling are being considered by the UK government in a bid to improve road safety.

If passed, a new bill could see cyclists penalised for offences such as irresponsible or dangerous use of the road, ignoring traffic lights and crossings or failing to use lights to make themselves visible. 

Whilst the proposal has been welcomed by many, some have raised concerns that penalties could deter people from choosing to cycle rather than drive when combined with existing challenges. For example, many responsible cyclists already face harassment on the road by dangerous drivers. 

Earlier proposals to create a new offence for causing death or serious injury by dangerous cycling were dropped during the General Election earlier this year. Plans to create a licensing registration scheme for cycles in Britain was also dismissed.

Former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Hogan-Howe, who is pushing for action against dangerous cyclists, told Parliament of his ‘near-death experience’ with a bike being ridden without lights. According to an article in the Evening Standard Newspaper, he said, “I am not going to say that cyclists are the only threat. That wouldn’t be the case at all.

“But I do think there is a case for making sure that pedestrians are protected from the behaviour of cyclists who behave badly.

“I think it’s only fair to note that many good cyclists, cyclists who are behaving well, are harassed and intimidated by those who are behaving badly”.

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