RECORD breaker Mark Beaumont has offered his support to a campaign that looks to place greater responsibility on drivers in traffic accidents with cyclists.
Known for his cycle around the globe, Mr Beaumont said the law should be changed to help safeguard cyclists and to change the mindset of motorists.
The Road Share campaign is calling for Scotland's civil law to recognise cyclists as vulnerable road users, meaning that drivers should be presumed to be at fault if there is a collision between drivers and cyclists.
It was launched due to the fact that cyclists killed in road accidents are not able to give evidence in any criminal or civil trials, while their families often have to wait years to see any compensation.
But, under the presumed liability scheme, drivers will have to prove they were not at fault during any incidents.
Mr Beaumont, who lives in Perthshire, called on the Scottish Government to afford greater protection to vulnerable road users.
He said: "This is an area the Scottish Government should be taking a closer look at if it is truly committed to safeguarding cyclists and non-motorised road users, whilst at the same time getting more Scots on their bikes.
"I believe that by introducing presumed liability to our civil legal system, and therefore bringing Scotland into line with most of Europe, it would ensure injured cyclists and pedestrians are compensated quickly and fairly," he added.
"This is vital if we are to encourage more Scots to see their world by bike and encourage a change of mindset in drivers."
The Road Share campaign says presumed liability would still allow drivers to 'allege fault' on cyclists.
Furthermore, the new law - along with the responsibility and burden of proof - would apply to cyclists during collisions with pedestrians.
The plan is supported by numerous groups, including two driving schools.
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