Overview

This bill aims to increase the safety and regulation of cycling in the UK by introducing compulsory helmets, cycling licenses, insurance, and registration, alongside expanding the definition of what constitutes a "cycle" and clarifying penalties for cycling offences.

Description

The Regulation of Cycling Bill proposes several key changes to existing road traffic legislation:

• Compulsory Headgear: Extends existing helmet laws to cyclists, with specifics to be determined by the Secretary of State.
• Licensing and Penalties: Introduces a licensing system for cyclists, with separate classes for non-motorised and power-assisted cycles. Existing driving licenses will incorporate cycling licenses. Separate licenses can be obtained from various locations (Bikeability instructors, schools, post offices, public libraries) Initially free, fees may be introduced later. Penalties for various cycling offences will be standardized, including discretionary disqualification and endorsement, with penalty points ranging from 1-3 for most offences, up to 4-11 for dangerous cycling.
• Compulsory Insurance: Makes third-party insurance compulsory for cyclists, with exceptions for those under 16 and users of invalid carriages. Those who can prove they were using a cycle they didn't own in the course of employment and were unaware of lack of insurance would be exempt from conviction.
• Cycle Registration: Introduces a registration system for cycles, with fees potentially introduced after an initial two-year grace period.
• Age Restrictions: Sets minimum ages for holding Class A and Class B cycling licenses (16 for non-motorised, 14 for power-assisted), subject to future potential changes by the Secretary of State.
• Definition of "Cycle": Broadens the definition of "cycle" to include a wider range of vehicles like e-scooters, self-balancing scooters, and cargo bikes, but excludes non-motorised scooters and skateboards.

Government Spending

The bill's immediate financial implications are unclear. While there's an initial two-year exemption from fees for cycling licenses and registration, the government may incur costs associated with administering the new licensing and registration systems, and setting up enforcement mechanisms. The long-term financial effects will depend on the level of fees ultimately introduced.

Groups Affected

• Cyclists: Will be directly affected by licensing requirements, insurance costs, and potential helmet mandates. Penalties for offences will also directly impact them.
• E-scooter users: Will now be subject to the same regulations as other cyclists (as e-scooters are included in the broadened definition of 'cycle').
• Insurance companies: Will need to adapt to offer cycle insurance and to assess the risk involved.
• Law enforcement agencies: Will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations.
• Bikeability instructors, schools, post offices, and public libraries: Will be involved in issuing cycling licenses.

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