Dangerous cyclists who kill pedestrians could face life imprisonment under new legislation set to bring cycling offences in line with motoring laws.
The amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill were tabled on Thursday, according to the Department for Transport.
The changes would replace Victorian-era legislation that currently limits sentences to a maximum of two years for dangerous cycling.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is leading the move to close this legal loophole, with the new law applying in England and Wales.
The changes would replace Victorian-era legislation that currently limits sentences to a maximum of two years for dangerous cycling (stock pic)
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The amendments revive a planned overhaul of the law under the previous Conservative government that was derailed by the general election.
Under the proposed changes, cyclists who cause death or serious injury by dangerous cycling could face life imprisonment.
Those found guilty of causing death or serious injury due to careless or inconsiderate cycling could receive up to five and two years in prison respectively.
The legislation aims to update laws that are over 160 years old and ensure reckless cyclists face appropriate penalties.
Currently, reckless cycling is prosecuted under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, legislation originally intended for riders of horse-drawn carriages.
This Victorian law allows for a maximum two-year jail term for "wanton and furious" riding.
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Under the proposed changes, cyclists who cause death or serious injury by dangerous cycling could face life imprisonment (stock pic)
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Campaigners have argued that this legislation is "inadequate and archaic" and not designed for modern "superbikes".
The current law has been criticised as a loophole that fails to properly address the dangers posed by dangerous cycling in the 21st century.
Matt Briggs, whose wife Kim was killed by a cyclist in 2016, welcomed the amendments to the legislation.
He told the Telegraph: "I'm absolutely delighted that this Labour government has followed through with our calls for new legislation.
"This isn't just a victory for me and my family, it's also a victory for all the families who have worked tirelessly through their unbearable tragedies to have these laws changed."
Briggs has campaigned for over a decade since his wife was hit by Charlie Alliston, who was jailed for 18 months in 2017.
The current law has been criticised as a loophole that fails to properly address the dangers posed by dangerous cycling in the 21st century (stock pic)
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However, the amendments have faced criticism from some in the cycling community.
Chris Boardman, the former Olympic cyclist and National Active Travel Commissioner for England, has argued that tougher laws could deter people from cycling.
This comes at a time when Labour has promised "unprecedented levels of funding" to encourage more people to cycle as part of its net zero targets.
Critics worry that the new legislation might conflict with broader government aims to increase active travel and reduce car usage.
A Department for Transport 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."
