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26th January 2009
Cycling on the increase due to financial pressures
The UK’s national cyclists’ organisation, the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) has confirmed that numbers of cyclists has been rising dramatically over the last few months as people try to economise on their transport costs during these difficult times. They add that London has seen a 91% increase in cyclists since 2000.
However, they have strongly refuted claims by a leading insurance company that this has resulted in an increase in cycling accidents.
Cycling casualty figures from the Department for Transport
According to provisional figures recently published by the Department for Transport (dft), during the second quarter of 2008 (April to June 2008) the number of cycling casualties were down slightly on the same period in the previous year. Last years figures were 4,480 compared to 4,498 in the previous year’s second quarter. (see table).
Road Casualties by class of road user: 1998 - 2008: GB (abridged)
Figures published by dft
| Year | Qtr | Pedal cyclist casualties | 12-month total | % change in 12-month totals | % change from 1994-98 average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-98 Avg | 24,023 | ||||
| 2006 | Q1 | 3,004 |
|||
| Q2 | 4,274 | ||||
| Q3 | 5,179 | 16,585 |
|||
| Q4 | 3,739 | ||||
| 2007 | Q1 | 3,169 | |||
| Q2 | 4,498 | ||||
| Q3 | 4,706 | 16,208 |
|||
| Q4 | 3,822 | ||||
| 2008 | Q1 | 3,200 | |||
| Q2 | 4,480 | -2% | -33% | ||
In the 12 months up to the end of June 2008, the dft reports provisional figures for cycling casualties of 16,208, a 2% reduction in the number for the previous 12-month period and a 33% decrease on the annual yearly average for 1994-1998, which was 24,023.
Increased cycling accidents claim
The CTC has confirmed that London has seen a 91% increase in cycling since 2000 but since this corresponds with the same period showing a 33% decrease in cycling accidents, this does not support the claim that more inexperienced cyclists means more cycling accidents.
National Cycle Network encourages cycling
Sustrans, the co-ordinator of the National Cycle Network, now offers over 12,000 miles of walking and cycle routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and traffic-calmed roads. They claim that 75% of the UK population now lives within two miles of a designated traffic-free route.
Sustrans is also urging local authorities (excluding London) to apply for funding from the £17 million that has been set aside by the Transport Minister Paul Clark in a scheme called “Link to Schools”. The aim is to encourage as many children as possible to bike or walk to school in a safe environment. As well as cutting congestion and improving air quality, this will have a positive effect on the health and fitness of our children.
There are already many successful schemes under way for children and adults and you can find out more about schemes in your area by visiting the Sustrans website at http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Cycling accident compensation claims
If you are, however, unfortunate enough to be involved in a road accident, Clear Answers’ lawyers are specialists in all types of traffic accidents, including those involving cyclists. We have teams of experts waiting to help you, should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your accident claim. Our advisers will be happy to talk to you, in plain English, through the claims process, provide you with expert legal advice and to answer any questions you may have regarding your claim.
The insurer of the person responsible for your road traffic accident will pay our legal fees and the entire service will be cost-free for you. You will receive 100% of your accident compensation if you select Clear Answers to represent you in this matter.
If you or a family member has been injured in any type of cycling or other road traffic accident, please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers. Alternatively, you may prefer to complete one of our online compensation claim forms and one of our representatives will contact you as soon as possible.
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