Cyclists who kill pedestrians could be jailed for life under new law in England and Wales

Cyclists who kill pedestrians by dangerous cycling could face life imprisonment in England and Wales under new amendments to the crime and policing bill.

The offence of causing death by dangerous cycling would be brought into line with driving laws under amendments tabled on Thursday, the Department for Transport said.

Dangerous or reckless cycling is usually punished with a maximum two-year jail term. The amendments renew a planned change of the law under the Conservatives that was derailed by the general election.

Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, plans to close a loophole whereby reckless cycling was caught under legislation dating back to the 1860s.

Matt Briggs, widower of Kim, who was killed when a cyclist hit her in 2016. Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian

Campaigners have welcomed the new legislation. Matt Briggs, whose wife, Kim, 44, was killed by a cyclist nine years ago, told the Telegraph: “After losing Kim in 2016, I began campaigning the following year to have these laws enacted.

“The use of the ‘wanton and furious’ charge for so many cases has been inadequate and archaic.

“I’m absolutely delighted that this Labour government has followed through with our calls for new legislation.

“This isn’t just a victory for me and my family, it’s also a victory for all the families who have worked tirelessly through their unbearable tragedies to have these laws changed.”

The amendments have been criticised by some cyclists. Chris Boardman, the former Olympic cyclist and national active travel commissioner for England, said the new laws could prevent people from cycling.

Labour has promised “unprecedented levels of funding” to encourage more people to cycle as it aims to meet its net zero targets.

A DfT spokesperson said: “Dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable, and the safety of our roads is a key priority for this government.

“The government is proposing new offences and penalties for dangerous cycling, updating legislation that is over 160 years old, to ensure that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law.

“These are being brought forward as part of the crime and policing bill and will be debated in due course.”