Jail for rogue cyclists causing injury, death

By Ashley Gardiner and Glenn Mitchell | March 06, 2008

ROGUE cyclists responsible for serious injury or death will be jailed under tough new laws being drafted by the Victorian Government.

A new crime for cyclists, possibly similar to culpable driving for motorists, will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament later this year.

Roads Minister Tim Pallas revealed the new tough line on irresponsible cyclists after a hit-run accident on Tuesday night that left a man, 62, in intensive care.

A female cyclist handed herself into police yesterday, but had not been charged.

Asked whether serious cycling offenders could face jail, Mr Pallas said they would.

"Do we believe there should be comparable levels of accountability for all road users including cyclists? The answer is yes," he said.

But Mr Pallas ruled out introducing a system of licensing cyclists.

"I'm not a big fan of the idea of requiring registration for cyclists," he said.

"I think we've actually got to encourage people to get out and cycle."
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