Cycling Fatalities on the Rise in the UK

The most recent government statistics show that from last April to June cycle deaths and total number of life-threatening injuries has increased by 19 percent from what it was at the same time last year. Additionally, smaller, less threatening injuries also rose by nine percent.

The Department of Transport has announced that the reason for the increase in deaths and injuries related to cycling is still unclear. Although, they did mention one possibility being that there are more cyclists on the roads as well this year. The increase in cyclists over the April to June period was, in part, caused by unusually warm weather during the Easter holidays.

The higher figures, despite decreases in cycling casualties in London, have sparked fresh debates and demands for stricter measures for bicycle safety and more ways to keep cyclists on the road safe. Head of the AA’s road safety, Andrew Howard, said that some of the higher numbers could possibly be a result of warmer weather and recent recession.

He added that it is not entirely clear as to whether or not the increased numbers are due to less safety on the road or simply an increase in cyclists due to warmer climates and steep petrol prices. However, he also said that there are new patterns occurring in the circumstances under which the accidents have occurred. He cited the six female cyclists that have been killed over the last year in London by lorry vehicles as an example of a specific safety threat which should be addressed.

Campaigners are looking for measures to be enacted nationwide which would provide more bicycle lanes as well as better driving training for drivers of goods vehicles in order to increase awareness of cyclists on the road. An annual report will also indicate that casualties for cyclists have risen for the entire year, with a total of 2,680 cyclists in fatal accidents this year.