Are cyclists safe on our roads?

Data from CrashMap UK has revealed that road accidents involving bicycles in Canterbury have fallen.

The pandemic saw a spike in the number of bikes being sold in 2020 and 2021, whilst accidents in this time increased as more people were looking for hobbies.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), UK cycle sales have hit a slump at a 39-year low.

CrashMap’s figures show that in 2018 there were 26 accidents and in 2022 there were only 9.

Figures released by the DfT show just 9.1% of people cycled at least once a week between November 2020 and November 2021 – down from 11.6% during the 12 months ending November 2020, and 11.2% the year before, with cycling rates falling to their lowest recorded levels.

Statistics from road safety charity Brake show that every year 100 cyclists die on UK roads, meaning they make up about 6% of road deaths.

Although cycling has been proven to be more environmentally friendly as well as helping to reduce congestion and improve mental health, the majority of cyclist casualties are from incidents on roads with 30 mph speed limits. At 30 mph, cars travel an average of 23 metres before stopping, and anyone hit by a car travelling at 30mph has a 20% chance of death.

So, even though cycling accidents don’t happen as frequently in Canterbury as they used to, the potential dangers may be deterring people from taking to two wheels.

Credit: Michael_Pointner