Overview

This bill aims to improve road safety by introducing new criminal offences for dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling, making cycle insurance compulsory, and reviewing the use of electric scooters. It also mandates an annual report on cycling offences.

Description

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

• New offences: Creating new offences for causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling. This applies to pedal cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
• Compulsory insurance: Making third-party insurance compulsory for all cycles used on public roads.
• Penalties: Introducing specific penalties for the new cycling offences, ranging from fines to lengthy prison sentences depending on the severity of the offence. Failure to have insurance will result in a level 5 fine.
• Electric scooter review: Mandating a government review of electric scooter misuse, considering their use in trials, safety impacts, and potential legalization of privately owned scooters.
• Annual report: Requiring the publication of an annual report detailing cycling offences and court outcomes.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs may arise from enforcement, the review of electric scooters, and the production of the annual report.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Cyclists: Cyclists will be subject to new legal responsibilities and potential penalties. They will also face the added cost of compulsory insurance.
• Electric scooter users: Users face potential prosecution under the new dangerous cycling laws and the review could lead to further restrictions or changes in regulations.
• Law enforcement: Police and courts will be responsible for enforcing the new laws.
• Insurance companies: Insurance companies will need to adapt to provide cycle insurance.

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