Cyclists who kill or seriously injure due to dangerous or careless cycling could face up to 14 years in prison under a new offence being introduced in the UK.

The new offence will ensure that cyclists face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists for causing death or injury

Ministers have backed an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, put forward by Sir Iain Duncan Smith, to introduce the new offence, ensuring that cyclists face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists.

The Government will bring forward an updated amendment to the bill as it enters the House of Lords where it will be further debated.

Speaking in the Commons, Sir Smith told MPs that moves to make it an offence to cause death by dangerous cycling were “urgent” and weren’t “anti-cycling”.

He referred to Kim Briggs, who died from head injuries in 2016 following a collision with a cyclist whose bike illegally had no front brake.

Her husband Matthew Briggs fought for a prosecution for manslaughter, but the cyclist was instead convicted of the lesser offence of causing bodily harm by “wanton and furious driving”.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Most cyclists, like most drivers, are responsible and considerate. But it’s only right that the tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face the full weight of the law for doing so.

“Just like car drivers who flout the law, we are backing this legislation introducing new offences around dangerous cycling. These new measures will help protect law-abiding cyclists, pedestrians and other road users, whilst ensuring justice is done.

“I would like to thank Sir Iain Duncan Smith for bringing forward this amendment, and to all the campaigners who have tirelessly highlighted this issue – this is in recognition of their efforts in particular.”