Cycling could be included in dangerous driving laws as Charlie Alliston case prompts government action

Theresa May has committed the government to considering new laws to tackle dangerous cycling after cycle courier Charlie Alliston was convicted of wanton and furious driving after crashing into and killing a pedestrian.

The prime minister was asked if she would consider extending current laws on dangerous driving to include offences committed by cyclists by Lewisham East MP Heidi Alexander, whose constituent Kim Briggs died in the crash.

>>> Comment: the media coverage of the Charlie Alliston case should be disturbing for cyclists everywhere

In response, Mrs May said that it was important to keep legislation up-to-date (with Alliston convicted of an offence dating back to 1861) and said that the Transport Secretary [Chris Grayling] would be looking at the matter.

Mrs Briggs, 44, sustained "catastrophic" head injuries in the crash with Mr Alliston, who was 18 at the time, in February 2016, who was riding a fixed gear bicycle which wasn't fitted with a front brake as required by law.

>>> Calls for police to re-open case on previous cycling incident following Charlie Alliston verdict

Mr Alliston was convicted of wanton and furious driving but found not guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey in August, after the court heard how he could have stopped in time if his Planet X track bike had been fitted with a front brake as required by law, an assertion that was disputed by the defence.

Mr Alliston is due to be sentenced on September 18, with Judge Wendy Joseph QC considerign a jail sentence for Mr Alliston, saying "I have not seen one iota of remorse from Mr Alliston at all at any stage."