New insurance requirements for UK cyclists on the horizon

According to several sources, cyclists will soon require registration plates, pay for insurance, and must follow the speed limit just like drivers as part of rules included in a new Transport Bill.

Currently, the Highway Code and Road Traffic Act on speeding limits only apply to motor vehicles driving and the proposed changes will prevent turning a blind eye to reckless cycling. Changes the government is considering include introducing mandatory insurance for cyclists to allow for events where they injure or kill pedestrians. Additionally, introducing a new offence, "death by dangerous cycling," could address the real harm caused when speed is combined with lack of care. This would eliminate the legal loophole that cyclists who kill pedestrians can only be jailed for two years.

However, this provides little comfort for those seriously injured or killed by a cyclist or the family members of those killed by a cyclist, who, under the current system, may then not be able to claim compensation because the cyclist involved does not have insurance or the personal wealth needed to meet the claim and the associated legal fees resulting in not getting proper justice

There are also cases where a cyclist causes property damage, for example damage to a vehicle after a collision. Without insurance cover or informal agreements, the motorist would likely go uncompensated for damage(s) suffered.

Requiring bicycles to have number plates or making it mandatory for cyclists to wear a tabard with a visible registration number would overcome anonymity problems. Making insurance compulsory would address the issue of a party injured by a cyclist having redress for their injury and be able to secure their legal fees and ultimately get justice.