Research Suggests Cyclists Don’t Feel Safe on our Roads

In our recent survey of 375 British road users, over 50 per cent of people said that they feel unsafe or very unsafe when cycling on UK roads.

Over 65% of people also feel that there are not adequate safety measures in place to protect cyclists. In order to improve safety on the roads, those surveyed suggested that more cycle lanes should be provided and dedicated cycle routes created.

This research is backed up by a recent survey conducted by the BBC, which shows that half of British adults believe local roads are too dangerous to cycle on, despite the DfT saying they have doubled cycling funding to £374 million to help deliver safer junctions.

In 2014, 21,287 cyclists were injured in road traffic accidents, with 3,514 being killed or seriously injured, with 75% of fatal or serious cycling accidents occurring in urban areas (ROSPA).

Our survey also shows that almost 70% of people believe that cyclists should have mandatory training before riding on major roads. While this isn't the case at the moment, and the majority of cyclists are well informed on road safety issues, here's some tips to help you stay safe on the roads:

Think about road rules - It’s a good idea to consider the Highway Code when you’re out on your bike. There are lots of rules to keep in mind, from where and how to park your bike, to what you should wear when you’re out on the roads. You can read the Highway Code here.

Watch out in the rain – roads and surfaces can become slippery, making cycling trickier and even treacherous at times. Avoid puddles in these conditions as it’s difficult to tell what’s underneath them – there might be a pot hole lurking underneath, ready to through you off course!

Ride consistently – Be decisive. This is important as it gives other road users a clearer idea of your actions. Use signals to show your intentions.

Use your lights – Ensure that you have front and rear lights on your bike, and that they are in full working order. Use them whenever it is dark, dusk, or when visibility is reduced.

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