brace yourselves, as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is on a mission to enforce 20mph speed limits and introduce number plates for cyclists. His primary aim is to enhance road safety, as he believes that the existing rules of the road must also apply to cyclists, not just motorists, as is currently the case.
The proposed regulations would mean that reckless cyclists would face more severe penalties, putting an end to behaviors like running red lights, performing wheelies, or doing bunny hops. While Shapps is not trying to discourage cycling, he emphasizes that cyclists who blatantly violate traffic rules should not go unpunished. However, there seems to be no mention of creating additional cycle lanes, which could genuinely improve the safety and enjoyment of cycling in London.
Shapps acknowledged that under the current rules, cyclists are not breaking the law when they exceed speed limits, and he finds this situation unacceptable. Therefore, he advocates for extending speed-limit restrictions to cyclists, particularly where 20mph limits are becoming more prevalent. However, this raises questions about how to identify cyclists and enforce these restrictions effectively. Shapps has pondered the possibility of registration plates and insurance for cyclists.
The push for these changes comes amidst a significant surge in cycling across the UK, partly driven by soaring fuel prices that have motivated more people to opt for cycling. Over the past five months, cycling on weekdays has seen a staggering 47 percent increase compared to the same period last year, with weekends experiencing a 27 percent rise.
Notably, Shapps has also proposed a 'death by dangerous cycling law' to close a legal loophole. The proposed law would impose the same sentences on cyclists who cause fatal accidents to pedestrians as drivers would receive. Presently, cyclists face only two years in jail if they are involved in a fatal collision.
As we ponder the image of bicycles adorned with large number plates, it remains unclear how such a system would be implemented. Perhaps, there might be some room for creative design ideas, and individuals could potentially share their thoughts with Shapps on this matter.