Motorists to be at fault

The government is considering making motorists legally responsible, even where they are not at fault, for any accident involving a cyclist or pedestrian. The proposed change to the law would make the most powerful vehicle in any collision liable for insurance and compensation purposes and is a move which is in part intended to encourage more use of environmentally friendly modes of transport.

The plans, which have already been condemned by many motoring groups, is likely further to annoy many drivers who already see themselves as the target for too much money raising and blame – whether through continuing fuel tax rises or from speed cameras and congestion charges.

The thinking behind the idea is to encourage more people to use bicycles and to walk more – and is hoped that the change in the law will reassure many that their safety is something which legislators have considered. At present fewer than 3% of all journeys are by bicycle.

However, opponents of the scheme point to the fact that often it is the reckless behaviour of cyclists that cause the accidents in the first place with many jumping red lights, riding the wrong way down one-way streets and weaving in and out of slow-moving traffic. In some places, such as central London where there has been a considerable increase in the number of cyclists – especially those undertaking urgent deliveries, the antics of cyclists give rise to considerable anger on the part of motorists.

Despite this anger, cyclists remain amongst the most vulnerable of road users with 115 of them being killed on the roads last year alone.

Similar proposals have already been put into effect in other European countries, most notably in Germany and Holland where transport campaigners say they have had a significant influence in changing attitudes towards cycling.

Meanwhile, the government is £100m on new cycle routes in various parts of the country in the hope that more will be encouraged to give up the car and return to pedal power.