CYCLISTS who kill pedestrians could face life sentences under "death by dangerous cycling" laws after a mum of two was killed by a bike.

The death of mum-of-two Kim Briggs, who was knocked over and killed by a bike in 2016, could spark a tough new law, ministers have said.

The Department for Transport has begun a new 12-week consultation on toughening up the current rules. Death by dangerous driving currently comes with a maximum sentence of life in jail.

Matt Briggs, Kim's widower, has welcomed the changes, after campaigning for tougher laws.

Charlie Alliston was sentenced to 18 months in jail for her death, who was travelling on a bike with no brakes.

He was found guilty of causing bodily harm by "wanton and furious driving" - charges originally used to deal with the reckless handling of horses.

Matt said: "What happened to Kim was rare, but it's not unique and I don't want another family to suffer a double whammy of grief and then go through this legal minefield."

He said last night: "This public consultation is an important step towards updating the arcane laws that are currently being used to prosecute cycling offences.’

But campaigners said it was just "tinkering around the edges".

Cycling UK said a full review of road traffic offences was needed, and branded the current laws "not fit for purpose".

Head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore said it was "something of lottery" and victims and relatives were left "feeling massively let down".

In 2016 448 pedestrians were killed on the roads, but only three of those cases involved bikes.

Last month the Department for Transport said they would do more to protect vulnerable road users - including hundreds of thousands of pounds more in funding for driving instructors training to make sure cyclists are considered.

They also promised to improve dangerous roads and updating the Highway Code.

Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said: "All these measures are designed to support the continued growth of cycling and walking, with all the benefits they bring to our communities, economy, environment and society."