Grant Shapps proposes to introduce a new law that means cyclists who kill pedestrians will receive prison terms in line with those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as requiring cyclists to carry number plates and obey 20mph speed limits. The latest available statistics from PACTS, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety , show that in 2019, 305 pedestrian deaths involved cars while 5 pedestrian deaths involved bicycles. On the other hand, 48 cyclists were killed by cars. 

One death on our roads is one too many, regardless of the mode of transportation involved, and cyclists who kill through reckless riding still richly deserve to be held to account and punished for their actions. However the overwhelming evidence and latest statistics assert that motorised vehicles still pose the greatest danger to cyclists and pedestrians. Most cyclists do hold third party insurance, and on flat roads many cyclists cannot exceed speeds of 20 mph. This is a dangerous attempt by Grant Shapps to demonise and make cyclists a convenient scapegoat for deaths and injuries on our roads. Furthermore this bill could give rise to much more hostile behaviour towards cyclists who are already much more vulnerable to serious injury and death from errant motorists, especially when a vehicle is used as a wicked weapon against pedestrians and cyclists in road rage incidents.

This has to stop. Please consider the statistics carefully before apportioning the blame to 'dangerous' cyclists. Let's force Grant Shapps into a u-turn to dispense with this divisive bill. His focus should be driving down the death rates of all vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. 

Thank you in advance for your support!