Massive increase in cycling deaths

The number of cyclists who were killed and injured on Britains’s roads has seen a steep rise this year. Between April and June 2009 a total of 820 cyclists were killed which represents a 19% rise on the same period last year. There has also been a rise in the number of people injured according to the Department of Transport.

It is incredible to think that a cyclist is 20 times more likely to be killed on an urban road than a passenger in a car.

Statistically, women are more likely to be victims of a fatal cycle accident even though they make up less than one third of those undertaking cycling journeys.

Motorcycle casualties have also risen this year by around 5%.

Commentators predict that the reason for the increase in cycling can be put down to the reasonably good summer and the recession which has encouraged more and more people to ditch the car for a bike.

Cycling groups should move quickly to remind cyclists to where helmets and be seen, particularly as we now move into winter and those cycling to and from work do so in the dark but also must remind motorists to be extra vigilant around cyclists.

The number of overall road deaths actually decreased from between April to June from 580 last year to 572 over the same period. The number of those seriously injured also fell by 3% to £6590.