Lords debates cycling road safety

Debate

Lord Hogan-Howe (Crossbench), former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, put forward the debate.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns. 

Members speaking

Contributing members included:

• Lord Berkeley (Labour), vice president of the Chartered Institute of Transport
• Lord Birt (Crossbench), former chair of the North Wales Transport Commission
• Lord Moylan (Conservative), former board member at Transport for London
• Baroness Randerson (Liberal Democrat), Lords Liberal Democrat spokesperson for transport.

Opening the debate, Lord Hogan-Howe said:

'Road traffic law has not maintained the accountability of cyclists in the way that motor vehicles are regulated.'

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger added:

'It is important that whoever uses the roads does so with care and consideration towards other road users…The problem is not just ignoring red lights; it is not giving way to pedestrian crossings, going up on the pavement, squeezing through gaps, and undertaking, to name a few.'

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour), Minister of State at the Department for Transport, responded on behalf of the government:

'The department is committed to delivering greener transport and maintaining and renewing our road network to ensure that it serves everyone.

'We want to see more people cycling but doing so safely and with consideration for their fellow road users.'

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

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