Cyclists whose reckless behaviour kills pedestrians face tougher jail sentences under plans by the Transport Secretary.

The Mail reports Grant Shapps wants to close what’s described as an “archaic” legal hole which means riders who kill pedestrians can be jailed for a maximum of only two years.

It says Mr Shapps wants reckless cyclists to be treated the same as reckless motorists, and hit out at a “selfish minority” of aggressive riders. He said an overhaul was needed to “impress on cyclists the real harm they can cause when speed is combined with lack of care”.

Under his proposal, a new law of causing death by dangerous cycling would be included in the forthcoming Transport Bill, due before Parliament in the autumn.

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