In many European countries the liability is deemed to lie with the larger vehicle

Motorists who hit cyclists will be deemed to be at fault unless it can be proved otherwise, under proposals from the Liberal Democrats.

The same “presumption of liability” would also apply to cyclists who hit pedestrians, mimicking the system in many European countries where the blame is deemed to lie with the larger vehicle unless it can be conclusively shown that the more vulnerable road user was at fault.

The plans are included in policy ideas announced by the Lib Dems before their conference next month.

Under a section entitled Cycling Reform, the document calls for a crackdown on the “illegal use of cycle lanes” by motorists.

It also says that cyclists should be forced to obey the rules of the road and proposes that