Killer cyclists may be sent to prison for life

CYCLISTS who cause a death through reckless riding could face penalties of up to life in prison under plans to be announced this week.

A review of outdated legislation is expected to recommend a new crime of ‘causing death by dangerous cycling’, with penalties on a par with the equivalent offence committed by vehicle drivers.

Killer motorists currently face a maximum jail term of 14 years but the Government wants to increase this to life.

A new offence would be a victory for campaigner Matthew Briggs, whose wife Kim, 44, was killed by a cyclist racing through central London on a bike with no front brake. Charlie Alliston, 20, was sent to a young offender institution for 18 months under an 1861 law designed to tackle speeding horse-and-carriage drivers.

A review of the law ordered by transport minister Jesse Norman is due to be published this week.