Talking about his decision to become a Road Share supporter, Mark said:

“My passion for cycling started as a young boy in rural Scotland and has taken me all over the world.  And I want to see everyone being able to enjoy cycling whatever their lifestyle.  I have witnessed first-hand the great cycling cultures of other European nations and am aware of the role that a stricter legislation in Civil Law has played in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, France to help bring about safer roads.

 

"Having learned more about the Road Share campaign's calls for a system of presumed liability, I firmly believe that their proposals would go a long way to helping improve the safety and cycling culture in Scotland.  This is an area the Scottish Government should be taking a closer look at if it is truly committed to safeguarding cyclists and non motorised road users whilst at the same time getting more Scots on their bikes. 

 

“I believe by introducing presumed liability to our Civil legal system, and therefore bringing Scotland into line with most of Europe, it would ensure injured cyclists and pedestrians are compensated quickly and fairly.  This is vital if we are to encourage more Scots to see their world by bike and encourage a change of mindset in drivers."

 

The Road Share campaign is proposing the introduction of presumed liability that would create a hierarchy of responsibility whereby motor vehicle drivers would be presumed liable for any loss, injury and damage caused to a cyclist involved in a collision.  A cyclist would also be presumed liable for loss, injury and damage caused to a pedestrian in any collision thus ensuring fairness while protecting the vulnerable. This presumption of liability would still allow a driver or cyclist to allege fault on the part of the injured cyclist or pedestrian.   

In cases where the victim is under 14, over 70, or is disabled, the campaign believes the principle of strict liability should apply, whereby the victim would be compensated for their injury and loss if involved in a road traffic collision with a motor vehicle or in the case of an injured pedestrian involved in a collision with a cyclist.

In order to progress the Road Share campaign’s goals a dedicated steering group has been established to conduct its own independent research into the benefits of presumed liability. This will be used to support the campaigns request for the Scottish Government to discuss its proposals in a Members Bill.

Craig Burn CEO of Scottish Cycling and member of the Road Share Steering Group said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mark Beaumont’s support for the Road Share campaign particularly given his vast experience as a cyclist in many different formats.

 

“We are pleased Mark is able to share in our vision to create a safer, more respectful cycling culture for all road users. We are confident that, if implemented as part of a package of measures, presumed liability could significantly reduce the number of collisions between motorists and cyclists and help to generate a culture of respect on our roads.  

 

“It’s our belief that the introduction of presumed liability is a cost effective solution that can make an immediate contribution to decreasing cycle and pedestrian road deaths and importantly improve how we view one another on our roads.”