Stricter rules for cyclists should be introduced immediately to combat the increased number of two-wheeled law breakers hitting the road due to the Government’s recommendation for people to avoid public transport.
Ministers ‘must introduce emergency legislation to tackle a boom in the toxic cycling which has emerged during the lockdown period’ and that ‘for too long bad cycling has gone unpunished’, says leading motoring lawyer, Nick Freeman.
Better known as Mr Loophole for his ability to secure speeding acquittals based on technicalities for celebrity clients such as David Beckham, Freeman has called for the Government to introduce insurance and a penalty points system for cyclists.
This is a move that will like prove unpopular among the cycling community.
‘Toxic cycling’: Motoring lawyer to the celebrities Nick Freeman – better known as Mr Loophole – has called on the government to introduce ’emergency legislation’ for the increase in cycling
He says that some riders have developed ‘dangerous habits’ on the road in recent weeks, thanks to a combination of empty roads, good weather and reduced use of public transport.Last week Halfords, Britain’s biggest cycle retailer, said sales of some biking equipment had risen 500 per cent in lockdown and this month sold more than double it’s normal amount of bicycles.
Meanwhile, cycle-to-work schemes that give tax benefits to employees to buy a new bike from official stores have reported a doubling in sale as more people consider pedaling instead of buses, trains and tubes that are difficult to fulfill social distancing requirements.
Mr Freeman claims this surge in cyclists has created a ‘critical’ situation now that lockdown restrictions have been eased and more drivers are returning to the road in order to commute or travel across England to exercise.
While he claims to be in no way against the cycling community, he urged for new legislation to ensures a ‘safe co-existence’ between motorists and cyclists.
In order to achieve this, he is lobbying for changes that would require cyclists to have insurance and be punished for breaking road laws with penalty points.
Freeman says that laws currently allow cyclists to flout road traffic laws, such as jumping a red lights, and remain anonymous
Should cyclists have insurance and a penalty points threat? | This is Money
Stricter rules for cyclists should be introduced immediately to combat the increased number of two-wheeled law breakers hitting the road due to the Government’s recommendation for people to avoid public transport. Ministers ‘must introduce emergency legislation to tackle a boom in the toxic cycling which has emerged during the lockdown period’ and that ‘for too… [Read More]
