21.07.2014
The Committee argued in a new report published last week (18 July 2014) that a “cultural change” is also needed to improve relations and respect between drivers and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Aggressive driving, failure to adhere to speed limits and poorly-designed junctions were all named by cyclists as areas that could be improved.
Increasing the safety of cyclists on the road is a major aim for the Department for Transport and comes on the back of figures recently revealing 109 cyclists were killed on roads in England, Scotland and Wales in 2013, with more than 3,000 others seriously injured.
Louise Ellman MP, the Chair of the Committee, said investment in cycling infrastructure will make the roads safer for all road users.
The Transport Select Committee has also called for motorists to be tested on their approach to sharing the road with cyclists and further bicycle training to be offered to schoolchildren to improve safety standards.
Increased Spending On Cycling Infrastructure Would Offer 'Actual and Perceived' Safety Benefits For Cyclists
MPs have claimed that a five-fold increase in investment in cycling infrastructure could provide “actual and perceived” road safety benefits for cyclists. According to the Transport Select Committee, spending in this area should rise from an estimated £2 per person to £10 per person by 2020.The Committee argued in a new report published last week (18 July 2014) that a “cultural change” is also needed to improve relations and respect between drivers and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Aggressive driving, failure to adhere to speed limits and poorly-designed junctions were all named by cyclists as areas that could be improved.
Increasing the safety of cyclists on the road is a major aim for the Department for Transport and comes on the back of figures recently revealing 109 cyclists were killed on roads in England, Scotland and Wales in 2013, with more than 3,000 others seriously injured.
Louise Ellman MP, the Chair of the Committee, said investment in cycling infrastructure will make the roads safer for all road users.
The Transport Select Committee has also called for motorists to be tested on their approach to sharing the road with cyclists and further bicycle training to be offered to schoolchildren to improve safety standards.
If you or a loved one has been injured in cycling accident, our specialist cycling accident lawyers could help you claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.
Expert Opinion
The number of cyclists using the roads is increasing at a rapid rate and making roads safer for them is vital. The measures suggested by the Transport Select Committee and increased investment in cycling infrastructure would be welcome. <br/> <br/>“Cyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries when they come up against other forms of transport on the roads and it only takes a small incident to have a severe impact on the lives of cyclists, as well as their family and friends. <br/> <br/>"It is vital more is done to protect vulnerable road users from the devastating consequences accidents can have and to ensure the appropriate action is taken to encourage drivers and cyclists to respect each other’s rights to use the roads."
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