Cyclists could be subject to speed limits and forced to have license plates in a bid to make them more accountable for dangerous riding, according to reports.
In a proposed law road shake up by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, cyclists could be hit by 20mph speed limits and wear identifiable markers so that punishments such as penalty points can be doled out, the Daily Mail reports.
Rules were recently introduced to allow cyclists more room and safety. However, the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act speeding limits only apply to drivers.
Ministers are said to believe these road laws don't go far enough and that they should apply to cyclists in the same way they do to motorists.
Mr Shapps told the Mail: "Somewhere where cyclists are actually not breaking the law is when they speed, and that cannot be right, so I absolutely propose extending speed limit restrictions to cyclists."
He added: "I see no reason why cyclists should break the road laws and be able to get away with it."
The Transport Secretary did clarify that cycling is a fantastic mode of transport and he doesn't want to deter people from the activity.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We want cycling to be the natural first choice for shorter journeys, helping to improve air quality and health while reducing congestion on our roads. We have set an ambitious vision that by 2030, half of all journeys in towns and cities are cycled or walked.
"Like all road users, cyclists have a duty to behave in a safe and responsible manner and follow the rules of the road. While there are no plans to introduce registration plates on bicycles, we continue to look at how we can improve road safety across all forms of transport and we are considering bringing forward legislation to introduce new offences around dangerous cycling."
There are already fines for dangerous or reckless riding. But as it currently stands, if a motorist causes a death they could be jailed for life while the sentence for cyclists is only a maximum of two years in prison.
Some experts believe that penalty points and insurance claims should also be on the cards. This could require unique identifiers such as number plates and may require cyclists to obtain insurance before using the roads.
Jonathan White, legal and compliance director at the National Accident Helpline, said that this would be a welcome change and would help riders be held accountable.
He said: "A review of insurance requirements for cyclists is long overdue. At National Accident Helpline we regularly speak to pedestrians injured by cyclists who find themselves unable to claim compensation because the cyclist was uninsured or untraceable.
"However, the government needs to be careful not to make rules so draconian they deter people from cycling. Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective forms of transport.
"The government needs to balance making cyclists more accountable with the wider benefits cycling brings to society."
Cyclists are encouraged, but not required, to take out some form of insurance and some riders have insurance cover through their membership of cycling organisations.
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