Cyclists could be made to have number plates on their bikes and insurance under new road laws being considered by the government, it is reported.
A series of new rules could be brought in for cyclists under new road laws that would also see them having to abide by the same speed limits as motorists.
Cycling is going through a boom in the UK with its health and environmental benefits which is reportedly leading government officials to want to introduce new legislation over their use on roads.
Earlier this year changes were made to the Highway Code with the aim of making motorists more aware of cyclists and so increasing their safety.
And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has also reportedly said he is seeking to introduce a “death by dangerous cycling” law.
Around the country more cycling lanes are being introduced and with 20mph zones also brought in, there has been a call for bike users to also respect the speed limits.
News laws that have been reported by the Daily Mail would see cyclists liable for fines or penalty points for speeding or other road infringements like jumping red lights.
And to do this government officials reportedly believe it would be necessary to bring in number plates.
While insurance for cyclists would be needed for example where a pedestrian is injured.
On the need for a “death by dangerous cycling” law, Mr Shapps earlier this month reportedly said that the legislation is needed to “impress on cyclists the real harm they can cause when speed is combined with lack of care.”
The move would close a legal loophole which means that cyclists who kill pedestrians can only be jailed for two years.
It comes four years after the Government ran a consultation on proposals for new offences of causing death or serious injury while cycling.
Mr Shapps wrote in the Daily Mail earlier this month that a "selfish minority" of cyclists believe they are "immune" to red lights.
"We need the cycling equivalent of death by dangerous driving to close a gap in the law and impress on cyclists the real harm they can cause when speed is combined with lack of care," he told the Mail.
"For example, traffic lights are there to regulate all traffic. But a selfish minority of cyclists appear to believe that they are somehow immune to red lights.
"We need to crack down on this disregard for road safety. Relatives of victims have waited too long for this straightforward measure."
The Mirror has approached the Cabinet Office for comment.
