Cycling News (2)

BykerSands

brat wrote: »

In punishment terms it's quite similar to the offence of dangerous driving, which has a maximum jail term of 2 years, although recent amendments have extended the maximum sentence to 5 years if serious injury is inflicted.

Road Traffic legislation has always reflected in its sentencing, the different modes of transport used. So...

• A motorist who injures someone by negligent driving could be jailed for up to 5 years
• A cyclist who injures someone by negligent cycling could be jailed for up to 2 years
• A pedestrian who injures someone by negligent walking is not punishable under the Road Traffic Act

As said earlier, all could be considered for GBH, GBH with intent, mansalughter or murder if appropriate, with life imprisonment available. The highest non-fatal sentence applicable is 25 years for the S18 GBH with intent.

I see no good moral reason why a cyclist should be punished less for similar acts of aggression or danger that lead to the same level of third party injury.
In legal terms I guess the difference is that the motorist is deemed to be responsible for a significantly more dangerous vehicle, and as such, the penalties should reflect that.

Not life then?

brat

BykerSands wrote: »

Not life then?

Yes sorry, my bad. Life for attempt murder.

BykerSands

brat wrote: »

Yes sorry, my bad. Life for attempt murder.

For gbh with intent too.

brat

BykerSands wrote: »

For gbh with intent too.

That's why I'm traffic, not CID