Round the world cyclist calls for laws protecting bike users

Cyclist and Dundee University rector Mark Beaumont has called for a law of presumed liability to protect cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Mr Beaumont has appeared in a video campaign released by the Road Share campaign group, which sets out the case for a change in the civil law.

A doctrine of presumed liability would mean that motorists are liable following a collision involving a pedestrian or cyclist, unless they can prove otherwise.

In 2014, Scotland’s roads saw the death or serious injury of over 155 cyclists, an increase of 16 per cent on the 2004-2008 average.

The campaign group argues that while there has been great investment in Scotland’s road infrastructure and an increased number of cycle paths created around the country – Scottish roads are still “disproportionately dangerous” to cyclists.

Frances Darling lent her support to the campaign after his sister, Sally, was killed while out cycling on a Scottish road.

Mr Beaumont said: “I was very moved to hear Frances explain what had happened to Sally and how our current fault-based system had let her family down.

“Presumed liability would ensure that vulnerable road users are compensated quickly and fairly, and the bereaved and those who suffer serious injury are treated with compassion.”

Photo Credit: Mark Beaumont, CC BY-SA 3.0.