UK urged to follow Italy in introducing insurance and number plates for cyclists

Cyclists in Britain are currently not required to take out insurance or display a number plate on their bikes, meaning that those involved in accidents are almost impossible to identify.

A new Express.co.uk poll has found widespread support for cyclists being subject to new laws, with a staggering 84 percent voting in of favour the UK following Italy’s efforts.

The Italian Government is proposing changes to the Highway Code for cyclists including the enforcement of licence plates, indicators, insurance and making riders wear helmets in a bid to reduce road deaths. 

The crackdown measures put forward by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport Matteo Salvini would affect users of soft mobility vehicles such as bicycles and electric scooters.

The introduction would mean that it is easier for police officers and enforcement cameras to track and identify offending riders. 

In a poll that ran from 8pm on Monday June 19 to 12.30pm on Monday, June 26, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Should cyclists be made to have insurance and licence plates?”

Overall, 2,087 people responded with the overwhelming majority, 84 percent (1,747 people) answering “yes” in favour of new laws being introduced in the UK. Whereas 16 percent (325 people) said “no” and a further 15 people said they did not know.

Dozens of readers discussed whether new measures should be enforced in the comments below the accompanying article.

Many readers argued in favour of cyclists being made to have insurance and licence plates, with some commenting that it would improve traceability in the event of an accident. 

Username Carolcc wrote: “Yes, I agree that cyclists should be insured. I have had quite a few very near misses from them. I also suggest that electric bikes should have to be insured and taxed as they go at least 30mph on the pavement.”

Likewise, username Woolyboy agreed that electric bikes should be subject to new laws, saying: “Definitely for electric bikes and scooters not so sure about non-electric.”

Yet others questioned the practicality of introducing such laws. Username Truebrit said that the scheme would be “totally unworkable”, explaining: “They would have to licence all kids’ bikes as well as all those spending most of the time in the garden shed. 

“After all the expenses of registering them, what will change? Nothing. The same people who cause problems now will still do what they want with zero chance of the police catching them.”

Username ThumperSmith agreed, writing: “Possibly a good idea but, maybe the Government and police should be concentrating on making sure that all car drivers have insurance and have even passed the driving test first.”

Last summer, then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested that cyclists in the UK should have number plates but his plans for a “death by dangerous cycling” law were ruled out. 

The Department for Transport said in response: “The Government has no plans to introduce a registration and licensing regime for cyclists. The costs and complexity of introducing such a system would significantly outweigh the benefits.”