Calls for change to law after 14-year-old injured in road crash

A petition calling for a change to the law after a teenage cyclist was badly injured in a road crash in Jersey has attracted more than 3,000 signatures.

A politician is now looking at how the road traffic legislation can be tightened in order to protect vulnerable road users.

14-year-old Freddie Dentskevich was knocked off his bike by van in March 2020. The driver was interviewed, but police decided not to prosecute.

14-year-old Freddie Dentskevich needed hospital treatment following the collision. Credit: Joanna Dentskevich

But now Freddie's family wants to stop others having to go through the same ordeal, by improving conditions for cyclists on the island's roads.

An online petition, started by Freddie's mother, has now reached more than a thousand signatures meaning ministers will have to respond.

Campaign group Cycle 4 Jersey says it is not surprised by Freddie's story - and is backing calls to see more responsibility placed on drivers on island roads. 

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat says she is prepared to bring forward a proposition to the States if required - though, if the petition gathers over 5,000 votes, it will have to be debated by politicians in the Assembly.