Petition on road safety for cyclists and pedestrians

There’s an online petition to the Prime Minister on introducing strict liability for motorists in collisions with pedestrians or cyclists. The deadline for signatures is 12th November. The full text of the petition is below, and you’d be in very good company if you sign up.

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to improve road safety by introducing strict liability for motorists in collisions.

Youngsters are being asked to walk or cycle to school to be green and reduce jams.

Walking and cycling are generally safe but parents will worry – if they are brave enough to let youngsters be independent.

The perception of safety has to be improved.

Lower speeds and extra road education will play a part but this petition is calling for a change to strict liability laws on drivers’ insurance policies.

At present, in a car – bike/pedestrian collision, the cyclist or pedestrian (probably the worst injured) has to prove the motorist was reckless.

We want that burden of proof switched so the motorist – choosing to use a ton of metal at speed – has to prove the cyclist or pedestrian was at fault.

This only applies to insurance claims. In criminal law, drivers in collisions remain innocent until proven guilty.

This rule exists in many EU countries with more walking and cycling, and a better child road safety record, Let’s raise driving standards and create better road user attitudes.”