By Robert Harries,Sophie Buchan
Copyright walesonline
Cyclists have been warned about new regulations set to become law which could result in severe penalties. These new powers aim to allow the government to improve street safety for pedestrians “by introducing new cycling offences to tackle those rare instances where victims have been killed or seriously injured by irresponsible cyclist behaviour.” The government website clarified: “What we are doing will not criminalise new behaviours.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here. The government added: “Instead, they will ensure that people who cause serious harm because of their bad cycling behaviour, which is already a criminal offence, are subject to penalties equivalent to those already in place if the same level of harm is caused by drivers of other vehicles.” The UK Government asserts that there are “already strict laws in place for cyclists and police have the power to prosecute if these are broken”, reports the Liverpool Echo . So, what offences are set to be created and what could be the punishments? The government explained: “The Crime and Policing Bill introduces appropriate offences to the Road Traffic Act 1988, with the corresponding maximum penalties being set out in the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.” The offences and maximum penalties being introduced to achieve this include: To ensure “consistency in offences and penalties across Great Britain”, the UK Government has confirmed that the “legislation will extend to Scotland as well as England and Wales.” In addition to these particular cycling violations, there are also rules governing behaviour, which include: The proposed measures come after the Department for Transport’s (DfT) almost £300 million in active travel investment for 2024/5 and 2025/6. This funding aims to help local councils implement superior and accessible active travel initiatives across England. Announced on February 12, 2025, the DfT stated the funding would strengthen “economic growth, health and net zero missions by helping to revitalise high streets, improving air quality and supporting people to live longer, healthier lives.” The legislation is presently making its way through Parliament. If it gains approval, it will become statute, although amendments could be made before the parliamentary process is complete.
