Cyclists in the UK may soon face stricter regulations as part of a government plan to crack down on dangerous and antisocial cycling.
Under these new proposals, riders caught breaking certain rules could be required to take an educational course or pay a fine.
The Home Office has outlined ten new cycling offences, including reckless riding, failure to stop at school crossings, and cycling without lights at night.
These changes have sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning whether such penalties should apply to cyclists in the same way they do to motorists.
Education or Fine: What Cyclists Could Face
Rather than issuing immediate fines, authorities may give cyclists the option of attending a 30-minute e-learning course through the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) for a £100 fee.
If the course is successfully completed, riders won’t have to pay a fixed penalty or face further legal action.
The Home Office report explains that this approach allows police officers to use discretion when handling minor offences, offering education instead of prosecution.
However, serious violations may still result in harsher penalties.
The Ten New Cycling Offences
The proposed offences fall under three different legal regulations:
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988
- Failing to stop at a school crossing patrol.
- Holding onto a moving vehicle for a tow.
- Cycling in a dangerous manner.
- Riding without due care and attention or consideration for other road users.
Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989
- Cycling without lights between sunset and sunrise.
- Using lights in a way that causes glare or discomfort to others.
- Using lamps improperly on non-motor vehicles.
Royal Parks and Open Spaces Regulations 1997
- Ignoring directions from police or official notices regarding cycling in Royal Parks.
- Riding in a manner that endangers others in Royal Parks.
- Cycling without lights after dark in Royal Parks.
Debate Over Dangerous Cycling Penalties
Not everyone supports the proposed changes.
Both the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London have expressed concerns about grouping dangerous and careless cycling offences together.
Some worry that these changes could blur the lines between cycling violations and driving offences, creating confusion over enforcement.
The government, in response, has stated that penalties should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
For example, a cyclist riding recklessly on an empty road may not pose the same risk as one weaving through heavy traffic.
Police officers will have the authority to decide whether a fine or education is the appropriate consequence.
Calls for Harsher Cycling Laws Continue
Discussions about stricter cycling laws have been ongoing for years, particularly in cases where reckless cyclists have caused serious injury or death.
Campaigners, including Matt Briggs, have long advocated for stronger penalties after his wife, Kim, was tragically killed by a reckless cyclist in 2016.
More recently, cases like the death of an 81-year-old woman hit by a speeding cyclist in Oxford, and another fatal crash in London’s Regent’s Park, have fueled calls for tougher laws.
In 2024, a proposal was introduced to make cyclists who cause death by dangerous riding eligible for life sentences—though this is still under review by lawmakers.
What Happens Next?
The consultation period for these cycling offence proposals has ended, with officials now reviewing feedback before finalizing the changes.
If approved, cyclists across the UK will need to be more mindful of their riding habits to avoid fines or mandatory courses.
As debates continue, many hope that these regulations will help strike a balance between promoting safe cycling and ensuring that punishments are fair and appropriate.