Plans to introduce new death by dangerous cycling laws have been described as tinkering around the edges of road safety.
Campaigners say the Government should grasp the opportunity to do the job properly if it is serious about improving road safety.
Cycling UK, a national charity, claimed a full review of road traffic offences is required.
New offences of causing death by dangerous or careless cycling are being proposed by the Government after mother-of-two Kim Briggs, 44, was killed by Charlie Alliston in February 2016.
Alliston, then 18, was travelling at 18mph on a fixed-wheel track bike with no front brakes.
He was sentenced to 18 months in jail after being found guilty of causing bodily harm by wanton and furious driving.
The Victorian legislation, originally drafted to deal with reckless handling of horses, was used because there was no cycling equivalent to the offence of causing death by dangerous driving.
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Under the new laws, cyclists who kill pedestrians would be treated in a similar way to dangerous drivers.
Ms Briggs widower Matthew supports the proposed new laws.
He said: This public consultation is an important step towards updating the arcane laws that are currently being used to prosecute cycling offences.
Cycling UK head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore described the current system of prosecuting and sentencing for careless or dangerous drivers as something of a lottery which leaves victims and their relatives feeling massively let down.
He added: Adding one or two new offences specific to cyclists would be merely tinkering around the edges.
If the Government is serious about addressing behaviour that puts others at risk on our roads, they should grasp the opportunity to do the job properly, rather than attempt to patch up an area of legislation thats simply not working.
In recent weeks the DfT has announced a series of measures to protect vulnerable roads users, including funding to give driving instructors training to ensure cyclists safety is prioritised, better investigation of crashes and investing £100m to improve dangerous roads.
The latest announcement includes the introduction of national guidance for cycling and walking infrastructure and updating parts of the Highway Code to combat close passing of bicycles.
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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.
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