Provisional figures released by the DfT (3/2/11) show that the number of road fatalities fell by 21% in the 12-month period ending September 2010, compared with the previous year.
The figures show that casualties are down for all road user types with the exception of pedal cyclists where the number of casualties rose by 3% and the number of KSIs rose by 2%. However, the CTC points out that cycling rates are increasing faster than casualty rates.
Chris Peck, policy officer at CTC, said: “While the increase in cycle casualties might look worrying, the risk to each individual may still be lower than before, when you consider the increase in the number of cyclists.
“Rates are falling or holding steady, even if actual numbers of injuries may be rising. Last year cycling deaths fell to their lowest level ever recorded at the same time that cycling reached the highest level in 17 years.
“That being said, we are still urging the government to take stronger measures to make our roads safer for cyclists to use. I don’t think there is anyone who feels that things are as safe as they’d like it to be and clearly safer roads and better cycle facilities will convince more people to return to cycling."
The DfT summary report, ‘Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain
The overall number of reported child casualties fell by 5%, with KSIs also falling by 5%.
Click here to read the full DfT report.
When drivers are short of money they make fewer journeys and drive quietly; some use a bicycle for journeys increasing cycle journeys. Overall casualties go down but cycle casualties rise. Nothing new here – see 1973 data.
Keith Holmes, West Somerset
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Within every road-user group there is a minority who show a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road, and a total ‘could’t care less’ attitude for the needs of others.
The answer – let’s make more use of of the brilliant resource that we already have – highly trained and professional roads policing officers. They can educate, offer wise counsel, issue fixed penalties and report for prosecution where appropriate. They can show empathy in distressing situations and deal robustly with those intent on showing nothing but aggression. They are able to use their initiative based on years of experience and continuing professional development. With this kind of rational approach we need not have a war on any kind of road-user.
Mark, Wiltshire
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Quote: “Make our roads safer for cyclists”.
Roads have been made less safe for cyclists through lack of tuition and education in cycling and the Highway Code, chicanes, pinch points, pavement build-outs, and segregated lanes. Such a demarcation between cyclists and the rest of traffic creates a ‘war zone’, emphasised by another article on cycle cameras in the “war on motorists”.
What better way to defeat a purpose than to create internal warfare. That purpose? Road safety. The end result? Restrictions and total control on mobility for all.
Derek Reynolds, St Albans.
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