Edinburgh Bicycle signs up to campaign for ‘presumed liability’

Britain’s longest-established, co-operatively-run bicycle business, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, has announced it agrees with Spokes, CTC Scotland and Pedal on Parliament in supporting Cycle Law Scotland’s calls for a presumed liability regime.

The retailer, which was founded in 1977, is backing the Road Share campaign calling for a change to Scots Civil Law.

Presumed – or stricter – liability would introduce measures which could help protect the most vulnerable party involved in road collisions. Cycle Law Scotland said it would address the human impact of the current system and allow vulnerable road users to be compensated for their injuries in an efficient and streamlined manner but more importantly would foster a better culture of road share.

Ged Holmyard of the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op said:

“I believe a variety of measures including a strict liability regime are needed to make sure cyclists on our roads feel safe and protected.

“As both a cyclist and motorist I share Cycle Law Scotland’s desire to establish a stronger culture of mutual respect. Paying close attention to the behavior of all road users is paramount to helping more people feel confident enough to take their bikes out.”

Cycle Law Scotland is now working towards seeing a Members Bill presented to the Scottish parliament later this year.

Campaign founder, Brenda Mitchell, said:

“I am pleased to welcome the Bike Co-op’s support and thank the co-op members for recognising the need for stricter liability to improve how those injured and those affected by road traffic collisions are treated.

“Our European neighbours are proving that a strict liability regime, which imposes responsibilities on those in control of dangerous objects to others, leads to increased awareness and greater consideration for vulnerable road users, therefore potentially reducing the number of tragic incidents.

“It is our goal to change the culture amongst road users in Scotland to bring about a mutual respect for one another and importantly each other’s safety.”

Cycle Law Scotland is headed up by Brenda Mitchell, a personal injury lawyer.

A petition asking for presumed liabilty to be introduced into Scotland has received nearly 3500 names. 

The UK is only one of a small number of EU countries, along with Cyprus, Malta, Romania and Ireland, that does not operate a presumed liability system for road users.

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