DfT Announces Urgent Cycle Safety Review
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that an urgent review into cycle safety in the UK is to be carried out after numerous incidents involving cyclists, such as the recent death of mother-of-two Kim Briggs who was knocked down and killed by cyclist Charlie Alliston.
The review will consider whether a new offence similar to causing death by dangerous or careless driving should be brought in for those using bikes on the road. In 2015, two pedestrians were killed and 96 sustained serious injuries after being involved in bicycle crashes. And each year, over 100 cyclists are killed and over 3,000 seriously injured on roads in the UK.
Jesse Norman, transport minister, explained that the review will be conducted to help protect both cyclists and other people sharing the road with them.
“We already have strict laws that ensure that drivers who put people’s lives at risk are punished but, given recent cases, it is only right for us to look at whether dangerous cyclists should face the same consequences,” he went on to say.
The review has been welcomed by Matthew Briggs, widower of 44-year-old Mrs Briggs who died after being knocked over and killed by cyclist Alliston in east London last year. Alliston’s bike had no front brakes and, although he was cleared of manslaughter, he was found guilty of bodily harm by wanton or furious driving, an offence that dates back to the 19th century.
Mr Briggs told Sky News how grateful he is that the government has been so quick to respond in calling for this review.
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Written by Ad Rank One at 02/10/2017