Cycling UK win: Crown Prosecution Service drops inconsiderate cycling case

• CPS drops case against cyclist Tom Bosanquet, prosecuted for inconsiderate cycling for delaying traffic for a matter of seconds
• Mr Bosanquet was prosecuted despite catching two drivers commit offences on camera during the incident, in an attempt to support law enforcement with video footage
• Cycling UK’s Cyclists' Defence Fund, which relies on donations, funded Mr Bosanquet’s legal case

Cycling UK today (Friday, 7 October) celebrates a legal win as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has dropped a case against cyclist Tom Bosanquet, whose legal fees were covered by the Cyclists’ Defence Fund.

Mr Bosanquet (43) from Bristol was prosecuted for inconsiderate cycling under section 29 of the Road Traffic Act after allegedly delaying a driver for a few seconds, when he challenged another driver using his mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights, which is a criminal offence.

The case, brought by Avon and Somerset Police, was due for trial in North Somerset Magistrates Court on 7 October, but has been dropped following a review by the CPS as it was deemed Not in the Public Interest.

The incident, which took place 4 March 2022, was caught on camera by Mr Bosanquet, who spotted the driver using his mobile phone as he pulled alongside the car at traffic lights. While informing the driver that this was an offence, and dangerous, another driver in a van behind him beeped his horn. Although a few seconds later Mr Bosanquet set off again, the van passed him accelerating through a red light and without leaving the required 1.5m space.

Cycling UK believes the police should never have referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, so we’re pleased it’s now been dropped

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK's chief executive

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said:

“It’s somewhat ironic that Mr Bosanquet was prosecuted in the incident when he was using a helmet camera to catch footage with the intention of supporting the police collect evidence of bad behaviour on our roads. This is something that police forces across the country have expressed they welcome from the public, and any negligible delay to traffic was caused in part by this.

“Cycling UK believes the police should never have referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, so we’re pleased it’s now been dropped. Going to court would undoubtedly have been a waste of resources.”

Mr Bosanquet said:

“This case has been a long, drawn-out and stressful process, and I’ve felt shaken by it. The attempted prosecution was heavy-handed and inappropriate, something borne out by the case now being dropped.

“I am relieved now to move on from this episode, wiser but undaunted in my desire for the ongoing safety of all vulnerable road users. Throughout I’ve been humbled by the support shown to me both by individuals and groups such as Bristol Cycling Campaign, and particularly grateful to Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund which was there to take my side and support me.”

Funded entirely through donations, Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund, which covered Mr. Bosanquet’s legal fees, helps fight significant legal cases involving cyclists, especially those which could set important precedents for the future, and could affect the safety of all cyclists. Its remit has expanded over time to cover all aspects of cycling and the law.

Previous wins for the CDF include a case in which, following a judicial review brought by Cycling UK, West Sussex County Council was found to have acted illegally in removing a popular cycle lane just weeks after it was set up in Shoreham in 2020.

The CDF is now also helping to fund Cycling UK’s potential legal challenge of the government's decision not to consult with cycling and horse riding organisations, or consider use by cyclists and horse riders, when it launched a new National Trail, the Wainwright Coast to Coast path.

If you would like to support our work, you can donate to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund.

ENDS