Cyclists should have 'compulsory number plates' amid fears riders are making roads more dangerous
People are calling for cyclists to have a number plate to continue on roads
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Calls for cyclists to have their bicycles equipped with number plates have been gaining traction as a councillor suggests new ways to crack down on dangerous riders.
In May, the Department for Transport announced new plans to prosecute dangerous cyclists who kill or seriously injure someone because of their actions.
The Criminal Justice Bill, put forward by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, outlined how an amendment would be made to introduce the "offence of causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling".
This was done in response to a decision not to charge a cyclist after they crashed into a pensioner in Regent's Park in London, with similar incidents also being noted.
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Experts say bicycle number plates would hold cyclists accountable
GETTYSpeaking at the time of the Government announcement, former Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the measures would protect "law-abiding" cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.
Recently, Councillor Alan Amos, from Worcester City Council, has suggested the use of compulsory number plates fitted to bikes to police cyclists in the same way as cars and vans.
It comes as a new bike rental scheme was recently launched in the city, prompting the councillor to call for new law changes to all bikes, not just those included in trials.
Amos, who represents Lower Wick and Pitmaston, said cyclists who ride in a dangerous manner on pavements should be given penalty points, similar to punishments already on offer for vehicle owners.
He said: "I think it should be compulsory for all cyclists to have a number plate which all vehicles on the road have to. My concern is about enforcement.
"All bikes should have a registration number by law so there is a level playing field for any vehicle that uses the road - lorries, cars, vans and bikes. They should all be subject to the same rules," Worcester News reported.
There have been a growing number of voices calling for cyclists to face harsher punishments if they are found to be riding dangerously, with others also suggesting alternative measures.
Earlier this year, prominent lawyer Nick Freeman told GB News that new laws should be introduced to hold cyclists accountable for their actions, just like drivers are.
Freeman, who is known as "Mr Loophole" thanks to his ability to get celebrity clients out of road traffic offences, suggested that cyclists should have "identification, a licence or insurance" to stay on the road.
He said legislation around cyclists should contain strong deterrents to prevent those acting dangerously to "remain anonymous".
This was suggested alongside complaints that drivers were being hindered by 20mph speed limits as they had to consistently look at the speedometer rather than focusing on the road.
Freeman told GB News: "They must be required to display a form of identification – say a registered tabard or registration plate – and have a licence or insurance.
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New rules were launched earlier this year to crack down on dangerous cyclists
PA"Otherwise, it is hard for those who break the law to be caught. In other words, make the same road traffic law which applies to motor vehicles apply to cyclists and e-bikes too."