Government: 'Drivers should receive cheaper insurance if they complete cycling awareness course'

The government has revealed that motorists should be offered cheaper insurance if they are to undergo a course making them more aware of cyclists.

The DfT (Department for Transport) also wishes to help councils tackle parking in cycling lanes.

In 2017, 100 cyclists died on UK roads and 470 pedestrians were killed, totaling an increase of five per cent, therefore a proposing a series of 50 measures in a bid to reduce the number of cyclists and pedestrians killed will come forward.

Local authorities will be encouraged to spend about 15 per cent of their local transport infrastructure funding on walking and cycling.

There will also potentially be a new police unit to anaylse evidence of dangerous driving caught on camera by other road users, as well as a review of the Highway Code.

Cycling UK’s chief executive, Paul Tuohy, commented: “Lowering vehicle speeds around people walking, cycling and horse riding doesn’t just reduce the danger to them, but also their perception of the danger.

“While the DfT’s proposals for amendments to the Highway Code will help save lives, ignoring the threat and dangers of speeding is disappointing.”

Various walking and cycling organisations - including Cycling UK, The Ramblers and British Cycling - were said to be frustrated the overall strategy did not place more emphasis on speed reduction.

Cycling and walking minister, Jesse Norman, concluded: “Greater road safety - and especially the protection of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders - is essential.

“We want to improve air quality, encourage healthy exercise, reduce obesity and boost our high streets and economic productivity.

“That means more support for cycling and walking, and that’s why these new measures are designed to deliver.”