Cycle Accidents on the Rise

Cycling is a great way to get around

Cycling is a great way to get around. It is cost effective, environmentally friendly, and in many cases faster than public transport. Moreover, it is very good for your health, as long as you do not get involved in an accident. However, in recent years, there has been a marked increase in accidents involving cyclists. In the summer of 2009, there was a nineteen percent increase in the number of cycle accidents that resulted in serious injury or death, and a seven percent increase in minor injuries, compared to the same period in 2008.

There are a number of possible reasons for this dramatic increase in cycle accidents. Perhaps the most persuasive argument is that there are simply a lot more cyclists on the road now. Cycling has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the effects of the recession and the rising cost of car ownership. Also, concerns over the effect of motoring on the environment have led the government to encourage more cyclists onto the road, with schemes such as the recently introduced cycle hire scheme in central London. This groundswell in the popularity of cycling has meant that many of the cyclists on our roads are comparatively inexperienced, which some people believe to be a contributing factor to the increase in bike accidents.

Many motorists would blame the behaviour of cyclists, some of whom would appear to display a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road. However, most cyclists would place the blame at the door of careless motorists, as almost a hundred percent of serious bicycle accidents involve a motorised vehicle. While irresponsible cyclists could be said to be a contributing factor to the increase in bike accidents, recent statistics show that only five percent of cycle accidents involve cyclists passing through a red light.

Hopefully, this increase in serious cycle accidents will not be a continuing trend. Research shows that in cities where cycling is a lot more popular, such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, a dramatic increase in cycling numbers leads to an increase in safety. If there were enough cyclists on the roads, then motorists would have to pay more attention to them. This is the theory underpinning the Critical Mass protests of the last few years, in which cyclists gather in major city centres to take over the roads, in order to demonstrate that cycling is a viable mass transport option. Also, if cyclists did not have to share lanes or roads with motorised vehicles, the number of cycle accidents would be dramatically reduced. Many councils are increasing the number of cycle lanes in order to accommodate the increasing numbers of cyclists, and if this trend continues, then cycling will become a lot safer for everyone.

For more information about cycling and safety with bikes, visit the British Bike Association website.

Cycle Accidents on the Rise

By: Mark Taylor

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