Why do cyclists not pay road tax?

Let's cut to the chase: road tax doesn't exist. The upkeep of roads is paid for from general taxation. It never takes long for the 'road tax' debate to come up in relation to cyclists. An argument often put to cyclists is: why should they be on the roads when they don't contribute to their upkeep whatsoever?

Are cyclists going to have to pay road tax?

Cyclists don't pay road tax

What drivers pay is Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The amount depends on the vehicle's carbon dioxide emissions, with owners of low-emission vehicles (Band A) paying nothing. Since bicycles are zero emission, cyclists would pay nothing even if bicycles were subject to VED.

Why do cyclists not pay insurance?

It is accepted that collisions caused by a cyclist causes fewer serious injuries and fatalities than collisions caused by a motor vehicles and this is regularly used by those against the idea of making registration of and insurance for cyclists mandatory.

Are bicycles going to be taxed?

Pay attention to discourse around cycling for long enough online, down the pub, on radio phone-ins or talk shows and you are sure to hear mention of 'road tax' eventually, but it is not cyclists who are going to be asked to pay vehicle excise duty (or VED, to give it its proper name) by Jeremy Hunt in next week's ...

Who is liable if a cyclist hits a car?

Whether the accident was caused by the cyclist, car driver, or those responsible for road maintenance - if there is evidence of negligence, the party at fault can face legal action.

They Told Us Cyclists Don’t Actually Use Bike Lanes

Can I sue a cyclist for hitting my car?

If there is enough evidence to prove that the cyclist's negligence caused the accident and subsequent damage, you may be able to take them to small claims court. However, it is imperative that you understand all your options before choosing to take the cyclist to court.

What happens if I hit a cyclist?

The Accident Scene

If you hit a cyclist with your car, you should ensure that he accesses medical care immediately to prevent further complications. When the police arrive, they assess the position of the motor vehicles involved in the accident and ensure the bike rider gets medical care for his bodily injury.

Does road tax exist?

But road tax was abolished in 1937 and replaced by Vehicle Excise Duty. This is a tax on cars, not roads, and it goes straight into the general Treasury fund.

Do electric bikes need road tax?

An electric bike that is faster than the above specifications, i.e. it provides assistance when travelling faster than 25kph (15.5mph) then it is classed as a moped or motorcycle in the eyes on the UK government. This means it must be registered, taxed, insured, and you must have a driving licence to ride one.

Do cyclists pay road tax in Holland?

Is it correct to suppose that cyclists don't pay for public infrastructure? Like all Dutch citizens, cyclists pay income tax and local taxes. These sources of income are used to cover all kinds of costs, including public infrastructure.

Why do cyclists not need a license?

“Licences and number plates to regulate a relatively harmless activity like cycling would be a waste of time, effort and tax-payers' money,” Cycling UK said. “It would probably suppress cycling too – not a good thing for public health.”

What can cyclists get fined for?

Cycling Offences – Riding Dangerously, Recklessly, Carelessly or Inconsiderately. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991) it is an offence to ride recklessly on a road or in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner.

Are cyclists liable for damage to cars?

If there is enough evidence to prove that the cyclist's negligence caused the accident and subsequent damage, you may be able to take them to small claims court.

Who is exempt from road tax?

Some disabilities exempt you from having to pay road tax. People claiming the following benefits are eligible for this exemption: Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Who doesn't pay road tax?

Tax exempt cars. There is more than one route to having a zero-VED-rated car, with electric cars, cars with low CO2 emissions, historic cars and cars used by someone with a disability all exempt – assuming certain criteria are met.

Can I refuse to pay road tax?

Road tax is due on the 1st of the month that your vehicle is due for renewal. Even if your renewal date falls on a weekend or holiday, you will still be liable for payment on the 1st of the month If you fail to pay your road tax on time, you may face a fine or other penalties.

Do EVS have to pay road tax?

Are fully electric vehicles exempt from road tax? Yes, as they produce no tailpipe emissions, electric vehicle drivers are not expected to pay road tax.

Are Ebikes illegal?

Electric bikes are classified as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles', or EAPCs so are perfectly legal to ride as long your ebike meets the DVLA's EAPC rules. The key ones to obey are: The pedals must be in motion for electric assistance to be provided.

Are electric bicycles legal?

You can ride an electric bike if you're 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements. These electric bikes are known as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' ( EAPCs ). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

Why is my road tax so high?

VED, or Vehicle Excise Duty is a tax placed on vehicle owners to help fund road maintenance, research, and public transport. The amount of VED you pay is based on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of fuel it uses. Generally, the more emissions a vehicle produces, the more VED you will pay.

Who introduced road tax?

The government of David Lloyd George introduced a hypothecated motor vehicle tax in 1920 to pay for the road network. Hypothecation of vehicle tax was opposed by Churchill and ended by Chamberlain's government in 1937.

When did zero road tax end?

April 2025: Electric cars to pay Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED)

If you own an EV, then you currently pay zero road tax. This means it is completely free to get VED for your electric vehicle. From 1 April 2025, electric vehicles will need to pay for VED – road tax.

Has a cyclist ever killed a pedestrian?

From 2012-20, one of the 32 pedestrians who were killed by someone who jumped a red light was hit by a cycle (in 2020). Seventeen out the 385 serious pedestrian casualties hit by someone jumping a red light were hit by a cycle rider (4%). The rest were hit by other vehicles.

Should I call the police if I hit a cyclist?

Report the incident to the police.

You've a legal duty to inform the police of any road accident. You may have called the police but if they weren't able to attend the scene you still need to report it.

Are cyclists liable for damage?

If there is enough evidence to prove that the cyclist's negligence caused the accident and subsequent damage, you may be able to take them to small claims court.