Cyclists should be forced to carry compulsory identification with bikes possibly fitted with number plates similar to cars in major rule changes, according to a top lawyer.
Road traffic lawyer Nick Freeman, also known as Mr Loophole, also claims cyclists should be forced to carry a licence or secure insurance policies just like motorists.
It comes after Nick called for new laws to restrict bicycle users to the road limit, especially on 20mph routes.
He suggested it was unfair that cyclists could travel as fast as they liked while vehicles had to stay at 20mph across many urban roads.
He also called out the road safety risks of “kamikaze cyclists” which swerve between vehicles travelling slowly.
However, he has pointed out that any new speed limit rules could not be properly enforced unless identification measures were introduced.
He said: “Any legislation will lack teeth if cyclists remain anonymous.
“They must be required to display a form of identification – say a registered tabard or registration plate – and have a licence or insurance.
“Otherwise it is hard for those who break the law to be caught. In other words, make the same road traffic law which applies to motor vehicles apply to cyclists and ebikes too.”
Last week, a Labour councillor from Glasgow raised the question of bringing in new licence and insurance rules.
Patricia Ferguson queried whether discussions had been held with the Government over checks for those who ride delivery bikes.
In November last year, former Met Police chief Lord Hogan-Howe claimed cyclists should need “a registration plate somewhere on the back”.
Back in 2022, then UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also mooted the idea but backtracked just three days later.
There are understood to be no plans to introduce registration plates for cyclists at this stage.
However, the number of pedal cyclist casualties rose between 2020 and 2022 despite a slight dip last year.
Mr Freeman added: “At present drivers in a 20mph zone are constantly having to focus on their speedometer. Which is a distraction in itself. But they also have the additional responsibility of looking out for kamikaze cyclists.
“It’s such a dangerous situation and one the Government either overlooked or didn’t consider when drafting legislation for bikes and cyclists on our roads.
“The number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians is increasing exponentially – which is why there is an urgent need to legislate to ensure cyclists obey the speed limit.”
