Cycling liability

This week is National Bike Week, the UK’s annual celebration of cycling. Here in Scotland, the popularity of cycling is 
increasing as more people discover the great benefits of taking to their bikes.

Despite a pledge to see 10 per cent of all trips in Scotland in 2020 taken by bike, the Scottish Government has been slow in making some policy commitments that would help to meet this target. We know that the main factor preventing people from cycling is a view that the roads are simply too dangerous.

That is why we believe the Scottish Government should embrace our call for presumed liability for road traffic collisions, whereby a motorist would be presumed liable to compensate a cyclist or pedestrian injured in a collision with a motorised vehicle.

The same would hold true in cases where a cyclist collides with a pedestrian.

Alongside other measures like infrastructure and more 
cycle-specific training, a presumed liability civil law regime would improve Scotland’s road safety and bring Scotland up to the same standard as in most 
European nations.

It would give confidence to more Scots to take to their bikes and demonstrate that the government is serious about transforming Scotland into a cycling nation.

BRENDA MITCHELL

Road Share Campaign for Presumed Liability

Castle Street

Edinburgh

How dare Hugh Mackenzie slander cyclists by suggesting that they use the well-marked cycle routes on the A9 (Letters, 18 June).

What next? Will Mr Mackenzie demand that cyclists stop at red lights? That they do not cycle on the pavement?

That they do not crash through pedestrian crossings or cycle the wrong way up one-way streets?

Have a heart, Mr Mackenzie. After, all they are saving the planet.

Clark Cross

Springfield Road

Linlithgow