Mark Beaumont backs new laws to help cyclists

Proposed changes could see motorists forced to pay damages after an accident

Round-the-world cyclist Mark Beaumont is leading calls for the Scottish Parliament to change civil law to help protect vulnerable road users.

Beaumont has fronted a video released by the Road Share campaign group. It sets out the case for presumed liability, a system which would assume motorists are liable following a collision with a cyclist or pedestrian unless they can demonstrate otherwise.

In the video, Beaumont introduces Frances Darling, who tells how her sister Sally Low was killed while cycling.

He 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.

“I hope that all MSPs in the new Scottish Parliament take a few minutes to watch this video then take positive steps to bring about this legislative change.”

A petition calling for the change has attracted more than 10,000 signatures.

Brenda Mitchell, founder member of Road Share, said: “Sally did nothing wrong and the driver who hit her was fully insured yet Sally’s family had to resort to litigation to recover muchneeded compensation.

“It’s disgraceful that the insurer didn’t consider easing the financial burden on Sally’s family. Presumed liability rights a wrong in our current fault-based system and ensures the weak are protected.”