UK Government Considers New Cycling Offences After Fatal Collision

An 80-year-old woman died three days after being struck by a cyclist during a charity event in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. Patricia Jenkins suffered a severe brain injury and broken ribs in the collision on Mottram Road last May. An inquest at Manchester South Coroner's Court heard that the cyclist had been travelling at least 27 mph on a downhill stretch where the posted speed limit was 30 mph.

Assistant coroner Anna Morris recorded the death as a wholly unintended and tragic accident.

Cramer, who led the police investigation, told the court there was not a realistic prospect of a prosecution. The court heard that UK law does not currently allow cyclists to be prosecuted for exceeding posted speed limits. Patricia Jenkins' husband, Anthony Jenkins, said the cyclist had carried a bike computer, Garmin watch, cycling apps and a camera, but police could not establish speed to a provable level.

He stated it was unbelievable that cyclists cannot be prosecuted for speeding.

The Government is considering amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill that would create new offences for dangerous cycling resulting in death or serious injury. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to support replacing the 1861 offence of wanton and furious cycling.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable and road safety remains a key priority. Josh Hughes, partner at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said reckless cyclists who cause death or serious injury should not benefit from outdated laws, while noting that penalties alone are unlikely to improve safety without better infrastructure.