Cyclists could face tougher rules and speed limits after fatal collision prompts new laws

Cyclists could face stricter speed limits and tougher road rules after an 80-year-old woman was killed in a collision during a charity bike ride.

The death of Patricia Jenkins has now reignited calls for cyclists to face new penalties when riding dangerously, with campaigners demanding legal changes to close what families describe as a loophole in the law.

It comes as ministers consider new offences for dangerous cycling, including stronger punishments for riders who kill or seriously injure pedestrians.

Ms Jenkins suffered a severe brain injury and broken ribs after she was hit by a cyclist during the Tour de Manc event near her home in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, last May. She died three days later in the hospital.

An inquest heard cyclists cannot currently be prosecuted for speeding under UK law, even if they travel above a posted speed limit.

Her husband, Anthony Jenkins, said the rules need to change. "It's unbelievable that cyclists can still not be prosecuted for speeding in this country," he told The Telegraph.

"Bikes can go at a substantial pace, and I know they can exceed the speed limit where the accident happened." The retired computer engineer also criticised the lack of usable evidence from the rider's electronic devices.

"The cyclist had a bike computer, a Garmin watch, cycling apps on his mobile phone and a camera," he said. "But the police could still not establish his speed to a provable level."

Assistant coroner Anna Morris told Manchester South Coroner's Court she accepted evidence that the rider had been travelling at "at least 27mph" before the collision.

But she did note that there was "no evidence" he had exceeded the road's 30mph limit. Police also confirmed during the hearing that speed limits do not legally apply to cyclists.

The collision happened on a downhill stretch of Mottram Road while up to 1,200 cyclists were taking part in the organised sportive event.

Detective Constable Aaron Cramer, who led the investigation, said there was "not a realistic prospect of a prosecution". The coroner later recorded Ms Jenkins' death as a "wholly unintended and tragic accident".

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The case has intensified debate over cycling laws across the UK. The Government is currently considering changes to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would introduce new offences for dangerous cyclists who kill or seriously injure pedestrians.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to back reforms aimed at replacing outdated Victorian-era laws, including the offence of "wanton and furious cycling", which dates back to 1861.

Campaigners, including former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, have previously called for cyclists to face offences similar to dangerous driving laws used against motorists.

Under current legislation, cyclists involved in the most serious incidents can still face fines of up to £2,500 for dangerous cycling, although traditional speeding laws do not apply.

Road safety experts have warned that any tougher punishments should be combined with wider safety improvements.

Josh Hughes, partner at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: "Where reckless cycling occurs, leading to death or serious injury, that person should not be treated unduly favourably by virtue of outdated laws."

However, he added that tougher penalties alone were "unlikely to improve road safety in a meaningful way" without better cycling infrastructure and safer roads for all users.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Dangerous cycling is completely unacceptable, and the safety of our roads is a key priority for this Government."