Overview

This bill aims to improve road safety by introducing new 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 criminal offences: Creating offences for causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling. This applies to pedal cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.
• Compulsory cycle insurance: Making it a legal requirement to have insurance when cycling on public roads.
• Penalties: Introducing penalties for the new offences, ranging from fines to lengthy prison sentences depending on the severity of the offence and whether it is dealt with summarily or on indictment.
• Electric scooter review: Mandating a government review of the misuse of e-scooters, considering their impact on road safety and the potential for legalising privately-owned e-scooters with regulations.
• Annual report: Requiring the Secretary of State to publish an annual report on cycling offences, including the number of charges and court outcomes.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify the cost of implementation. Costs may arise from increased enforcement, the review of electric scooter use, and the production of the annual report. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Cyclists: Cyclists will be subject to new offences and the requirement for compulsory insurance. This may lead to increased costs and stricter enforcement.
• Electric scooter users: E-scooter users will be impacted by the new offences and the government review, which could lead to changes in e-scooter regulations or legality.
• Pedestrians and other road users: The bill aims to improve their safety by introducing stricter rules for cyclists and reviewing e-scooter use.
• Insurers: Insurers will need to adapt to offer cycle insurance products.
• Law enforcement: Law enforcement agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new laws, potentially requiring additional resources.

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