The safety of British cyclists

Across Britain, 90% of journeys were completed by using our roads in 2014. On these roads, 83% of journeys were undertaken in a car, van or taxi – covering more than 600 billion kilometres over the course of the year.

In 1952, this figure stood at 14% – compared to 2014, only 1% of vehicles used were accounted for by bicycles, a 13% drop over this 60-year period.

Cyclists are decreasing on our roads, and this is clear by the evidence that has been presented. Over the last 60 years, the distances travelled by cars and vans has increased by 1,000%, which has meant that the safety of cyclists that been overlooked over this time-frame.

True Solicitors, specialists in bicycle accident claims, evaluate the safety of cyclists on British roads, and whether this relates to the small number of cyclists in comparison to other forms of transport, such as cars, throughout the UK.

The British landscape

Accounting for 3% of the overall number surveyed, over the age of 18, 1.5 million people were suggested to have cycled on a daily basis; this is according to the British Social Attitudes 2015 survey.

34 million had suggested that they had never cycled, in comparison to the other 69% who were surveyed. This is as a direct result of the clear lack of cyclists across the UK more generally. However, by analysing individual countries within the UK, the idea that Britain is uninclined to use a bicycle as a form of transport on our roads becomes clearer.

England

Over the age of 16, those surveyed between 2014 and 15 within the Active People Survey suggested that 3% (1.3 million) cycled five times a week. The survey also found that 15% cycled at least once per month, which equates to 6.6 million people.

Opposed to using their bikes as a form of regular transport, cyclists in England appear to be using their bikes as a leisure activity. This may be the cause and correlation between the nature of cycling accidents throughout the UK.

Wales

Not dissimilar to the 3% in England who have cycled five times a week over the age of 16, 6% of those surveyed suggested that they cycled 1- 2 times a day in 2014 – 15.

Scotland

In Scotland, the picture remains relatively similar, as less than 10% of those surveyed suggested that they often cycle on a regular basis. As a means of transport, 3% of people aged over 16 used a bicycle 1 – 2 days a week. 2% used one 3 -5 days a week, and only 1% used a bicycle nearly every day of the week.

It’s clear, however, that most cyclists in Britain are unwilling to use their bikes on a regular basis, which is based on the evidence provided. As a form of reliable and safe transport, perhaps the reason why cyclists don’t use their bikes more often is because of the hazards the average cyclist could face when using our roads. For Britain to be willing to use cycling more enthusiastically as an everyday form of transport, perhaps the safety of our roads need to be improved first.