All cyclists should be required to have a bell on their handlebars to warn pedestrians of their approach, a Conservative MP has suggested, amid growing concerns over road safety and dangerous cycling.
The proposal was put forward by Sir Julian Lewis, MP for New Forest East, during a Commons debate on the Labour Government’s new Crime and Policing Bill. His comments came after former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith called for a crackdown on reckless cyclists, including the introduction of tougher laws to penalise dangerous and inconsiderate cycling.
Calls for stronger cycling regulations
Speaking in the Commons, Sir Julian Lewis intervened on Sir Iain’s speech, stating:
“It would also help if it were made mandatory for all cyclists to have a bell so they could at least warn pedestrians of their approach.”
His suggestion comes as part of a wider debate on road safety and cyclist accountability, particularly with the increasing number of e-bikes and e-scooters on UK roads and pavements.
Sir Iain, who has previously campaigned for new cycling offences, responded by saying he would “take the suggestion into consideration”.
Legislation on dangerous cycling
During the last parliament, Sir Iain proposed new offences as part of the Criminal Justice Bill, which ultimately failed to pass into law. These included:
- Causing death by dangerous cycling
- Causing serious injury by dangerous cycling
- Causing death by careless or inconsiderate cycling
Debating the new Crime and Policing Bill on Monday, Sir Iain questioned whether the Labour Government had considered reviving these proposals.
“Is that gone?” he asked, pressing ministers on whether his proposed measures had been abandoned.
While he did not dismiss the idea of mandatory bells, Sir Iain focused his remarks on the need for tougher laws to hold cyclists accountable when their actions result in harm or fatalities.
“The main point I was making was we have had deaths on the street where cyclists cannot be prosecuted for having killed someone,” he told MPs.
He highlighted a legal loophole whereby cyclists involved in fatal accidents often evade serious charges, as there is no equivalent to causing death by dangerous driving for cyclists.
“We are still using a piece of legislation from the mid-19th century, which was offensive and wild carriage driving.
“It hardly ever convicts anybody, and it is simply not acceptable in modern times.”
Concerns over e-bikes and antisocial behaviour
Sir Iain also raised concerns over the growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly on pavements where they pose a danger to pedestrians.
“Even if they’re not committing a criminal offence in the sense of it, they are causing major danger.
“And antisocial behaviour (ASB) is a big issue our constituents notice. They feel very threatened by people riding them down on the pavements.
“It may seem small, but it’s not.”
His remarks reflect public frustration over reckless cycling and e-bike usage, particularly in urban areas, where pedestrians frequently report near-misses and collisions.
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Government response: Dangerous cycling under review
Responding to Sir Iain’s concerns, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson confirmed that the Government was actively considering the issue.
“The issue of dangerous cycling we are looking at, and we recognise what a doughty campaigner he is, so we are certainly looking at that in detail.”
Her comments indicate that the Government may be open to legislative changes, though no firm commitments were made during the debate.
The debate over cyclist accountability
The debate over cycling laws and pedestrian safety has been ongoing in the UK for years. While many argue that cyclists should be held to the same legal standards as motorists, others warn that over-regulation could deter people from cycling, which is widely encouraged for its health and environmental benefits.
The proposal for mandatory bells—while seemingly minor—has sparked discussion over how to make cycling safer without imposing excessive restrictions.
As the Government reviews its approach to dangerous cycling, further proposals may emerge in the coming months to balance cyclist rights with pedestrian safety.
