Overview

This bill amends existing road traffic laws to introduce specific offences for dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling, covering pedal cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters. It establishes new penalties for causing death or serious injury through such cycling.

Description

The bill modifies the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Key changes include:

• New Offences: Creates three new offences: causing death by dangerous cycling, causing serious injury by dangerous cycling, and causing death by careless or inconsiderate cycling. These apply to pedal cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
• Definition of "Cycle": Broadens the definition of "cycle" to explicitly include e-bikes and e-scooters, and other mechanically propelled personal transporters as defined by the Secretary of State.
• "Serious Injury" Definition: Defines "serious injury" differently for England & Wales (grievous bodily harm) and Scotland (severe physical injury).
• Competent and Careful Cyclist Standard: Clarifies that a "competent and careful cyclist" maintains their cycle according to regulations.
• Penalties: Introduces significant penalties, including up to 14 years imprisonment for causing death by dangerous cycling, and up to 5 years imprisonment for causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless cycling. Lesser penalties apply for summary convictions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact is likely to be indirect, potentially including increased court costs associated with prosecuting new offences and potentially increased costs for law enforcement.

Groups Affected

• Cyclists: Face potential criminal prosecution for dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling, leading to fines or imprisonment.
• E-scooter and E-bike Users: Specifically included under the new legislation, facing the same potential penalties as cyclists.
• Police and Courts: Increased workload in enforcing the new laws and processing related cases.
• Pedestrians and Other Road Users: Potentially benefit from increased safety due to stricter regulations on cyclists and e-scooter riders

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