‘Wanton and furious’ cycling is a crime but speeding on a bike is not
You can break the law is your cycle too fast. The Mail:
Battery-powered bicycles are being modified to travel at almost 30mph – twice the speed permitted in public places – putting owners and pedestrians at risk.
Cyclists fit devices that override a speed sensor on the bikes that cuts the motor at the legal limit of 15.5mph. Others are being sold bikes with motors that exceed the 250-watt power limit permitted on roads.
The Highway Code (rule 124) states speed limits but there are no figures for bicycles. And why is 15.5mph the maximum? How was that ascertained?
This site says:
Cyclists can’t be booked for speeding, but might be fined for ‘cycling furiously’ or ‘riding furiously’ which is an offence under the 1847 Town Police Clauses Act. However, cyclists can be convicted for ‘wanton and furious driving’ under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 ( amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1948 (. 58), s. 1()) if they cause bodily harm to any person. They are then guilty of a misdemeanour and could, at the discretion of the court, be imprisoned for up to two years.
You can go fast but not go furious.
Posted: 5th, September 2016 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
