Introduction
According to the Department for Transport, the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured in the UK in 2020-2023 was as follows:
Year Killed Seriously Injured
2020 126 4,597
2021 111 4,353
2022 107 4,235
2023 99 4,117
The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured in the UK has been falling in recent years, but it is still too high. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured, including:
Improving road safety infrastructure, such as cycle lanes and segregated cycle paths.
Raising awareness of the dangers of cycling among both cyclists and motorists.
Enforcing the law more strictly, particularly against motorists who drive dangerously around cyclists.
By working together, we can make the roads safer for everyone, including cyclists.
Recent Case: Councilor Knocked off Bike
Oxfordshire Councillor Injured in Hit-and-Run
A newly elected Oxfordshire County Councillor was injured in a hit-and-run collision while riding her bike on a designated cycle path.
Trish Elphinstone, who represents Rose Hill and Littlemore, was riding on the A4142 Eastern By-Pass Road in Cowley, Oxford, on Friday 21 April when she was hit by a black saloon car.
The driver of the car clipped Elphinstone’s wheel, causing her to fall off her bike and hit her head and knees on the pavement. The driver then sped away from the scene.
Elphinstone was taken to hospital with a head wound and swelling to her shoulder and knees. She is due to have surgery on her eyebrow on Tuesday.
The 59-year-old councillor said she was riding at about 10 miles per hour and was not going fast. She said she was “cautious” and had her hands on the brakes when the car hit her.
Elphinstone said she was “shocked” and “upset” by the incident. She said she was “not expecting” to be hit on a safe cycle path.
The councillor said she hoped the driver would be caught and brought to justice.
The incident comes just weeks after Labour MP Lilian Greenwood was knocked off her bike by a driver in central London.
Greenwood, who represents Nottingham South, was riding on a protected cycle lane when the driver made an illegal U-turn and hit her.
The MP sustained a minor knee injury in the collision.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of cyclists on the roads.
Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, said it was “deeply concerned” by the number of cyclists being injured or killed in accidents.
The charity said it was calling for more investment in cycle infrastructure and for drivers to be more aware of the dangers posed to cyclists.
Cyclist Tragic News Stories from Around the World
Here are 5 recent cycling accident news stories from around the world:
A 59-year-old cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run collision in London on January 20, 2023. The cyclist, who has not been identified, was riding in a marked cycle lane when he was hit by a van. The driver of the van fled the scene and has not been apprehended.
A 12-year-old cyclist was killed in a collision with a car in New York City on February 1, 2023. The cyclist, who has not been identified, was riding his bike across the street when he was hit by a car that was turning left. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 30-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a truck in Toronto on February 25, 2023. The cyclist, who has not been identified, was riding his bike in a bike lane when he was hit by a truck that was turning right. The cyclist suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital in critical condition.
A 65-year-old cyclist was killed in a collision with a car in San Francisco on March 15, 2023. The cyclist, who has not been identified, was riding his bike in a bike lane when he was hit by a car that was making an illegal turn. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 25-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a bus in Paris on April 1, 2023. The cyclist, who has not been identified, was riding his bike in a bike lane when he was hit by a bus that was turning left. The cyclist suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital in critical condition.
These are just a few examples of the many cycling accidents that happen every year. It is important to be aware of the dangers of cycling and to take steps to stay safe, such as wearing a helmet and riding defensively.
How We Can Keep Cyclists Safe as Drivers On The Road
Here are some tips for drivers on how to keep cyclists safe on the road:
Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for cyclists.
Give cyclists plenty of space when passing.
Signal your intentions before turning or changing lanes.
Don’t open your door into the path of a cyclist.
Obey the speed limit and be careful when driving in wet or icy conditions.
Be patient and courteous to cyclists.
By following these tips, drivers can help to prevent accidents and injuries involving cyclists.
Here are some additional tips for drivers:
Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning.
Don’t tailgate cyclists.
Be aware of cyclists when pulling out of driveways or parking lots.
Don’t park in bike lanes.
Share the road with cyclists and be respectful of their space.
By following these tips, drivers can help to create a safer environment for cyclists.
If you are a Cyclist and would like advice or assistance after an Accident or Injury please call Claim Today backing Cyclists 100% since 1999
Call 0800 29 800 29
Email : info@claimtoday.com
+44 7901 558 530
