London, UK – A widower, Matt Briggs, has been tirelessly campaigning for nearly a decade to bring about a change in the law after his wife, Kim, tragically lost her life in a road accident in 2016. The incident occurred in East London when Kim was struck by a cyclist riding an illegal Olympic-style bike. The reckless cyclist, Charlie Alliston, was speeding at 18mph and was later sentenced to 18 months in prison for the incident.
Initially, the police struggled to find appropriate legislation to prosecute the cyclist, but eventually resorted to a Victorian law on ‘wanton and furious driving.’ Since then, Matt Briggs has been advocating for a change in the legal system to ensure that cyclists face similar consequences as motorists for harming pedestrians. Despite a significant investment in cycle infrastructure in the UK, there has been no change in the law following Kim Briggs’ tragic death.
With the support of Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Matt Briggs’ campaign is approaching a critical stage as a new law is set to be discussed in the House of Commons. The proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Act aims to introduce offences for causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling. This legislative change is crucial in offering legal accountability for cyclists involved in accidents resulting in harm.
Two recent incidents in Regent’s Park, where pedestrians were hit by cyclists at high speeds, have added urgency to the call for changes in cycling laws. The stories of Hilda Griffiths and Paola Dos Santos highlight the devastating impact of reckless cycling on innocent individuals. These cases underscore the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike on the roads.
Support for the proposed law amendment has been steadily growing, with 37 Conservative MPs backing the initiative. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith is optimistic about garnering further support in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The objective is to close legal loopholes that currently allow cyclists to evade scrutiny and accountability for their actions on the road.
As the debate on cycling laws continues, the focus remains on achieving fairness and justice for all road users. The push for legal reforms in the cycling space is essential to uphold safety standards and prevent future accidents caused by negligence or recklessness. Matt Briggs, along with other advocates, is determined to see meaningful changes to ensure accountability and responsibility among cyclists to protect pedestrians from harm.