Cyclists who kill pedestrians will finally be jailed for life under new laws

Cyclists who kill pedestrians will finally be jailed for life under fresh legislation signed into law yesterday. Families of pedestrians who lost their lives after being struck by cyclists have backed the new measure, which has been described as a "victory" in the pursuit of justice. Royal Assent was granted to the Crime and Policing Bill on Wednesday.It establishes stricter rules which bring fatal cycling incidents into line equivalent motoring offences.For almost 10 years, campaigners have pushed for legal reform after a number of deadly collisions where cyclists received what many considered inadequate sentences.Until now, those who killed while cycling were typically charged under an 1861 statute concerning "wanton and furious" driving.This Victorian-era law, originally created to address horse-drawn carriage drivers, carried a maximum prison term of just two years.To date, only a single cyclist has received a manslaughter conviction, which theoretically allows for life imprisonment, yet that individual was given a suspended sentence.Matt Briggs led the campaign for equal legal treatment of cyclists and motorists after his wife Kim suffered fatal head injuries when struck by a rider on an illegal bike in 2016.He told The Telegraph: "I am absolutely delighted. Since losing Kim 10 years ago, I have campaigned persistently to have this gap in road legislation closed and can't quite believe we have finally got there."This is a victory for the many families that have suffered bereavements and endured a judicial process reliant on archaic laws as the only way to prosecute cyclists; laws which carried minimal tariffs and were complex to prosecute."I am so grateful to all these families who joined me in this campaign and to the Labour Government for finally passing this into law."CRIME - READ THE LATEST:'Fraudster' wanted to raise an army to invade and reclaim United States for Queen Elizabeth IIMet Police release bodycam footage of Golders Green terror attack suspect arrestMet Police confirm Golders Green terror suspect is 'British national born in Somalia'Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has spoken out against dangerous cycling practices including speeding, pavement riding and ignoring traffic signals.He said: "At long last we have a law for dangerous cyclists and e-bikes."Those who cycle or ride e-bikes recklessly causing fatal accidents to pedestrians or road users can now feel the full force of the law. Matt Briggs and others who have campaigned for justice should be congratulated for their perseverance."However, cycling organisations have criticised the new laws - arguing they may discourage people from the sport. The legislation covers England, Scotland and Wales but will not take immediate effect as preparatory work is required before implementation.Northern Ireland operates under separate road traffic laws.Under the new framework, dangerous cycling causing serious injury or careless cycling resulting in death could attract sentences of up to five years, fines, or both.Careless or inconsiderate cycling causing serious injury would carry a maximum two-year sentence, a fine, or both.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Laws that date back to the Victorian era simply weren't designed for today's roads. "These changes will mean the tiny minority of cyclists who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law."We promised to update these laws, and this bill will deliver bringing offenders to justice and making streets safer for pedestrians."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter