12.02.2015
In a survey of school pupils aged 11 to 17, 47% said their parents’ worries put them off walking or cycling, while 41% thought traffic was too fast, to the point of causing danger for pedestrians and cyclists.
Almost two-fifths said a lack of safe routes prevented them from cycling, with 44% of people in the surveyed age group never having cycled at all.
Brake's Deputy Chief Executive Julie Townsend said of the findings: "That so many teenagers are being held back from walking and cycling by safety fears, in spite of its great benefits, is a shocking indictment of our road infrastructure."
However, Cycling Minister Robert Goodwill said that government investment in cycling following a proposed amendment to the Infrastructure Bill will “help keep young cyclists safe”.
"By March 2015, 1.6m children will have received cycle training through the Bikeability scheme,” he said. "We have also made it easier for local authorities to introduce 20mph zones which are designed to help increase safety."
Survey Finds Almost Half Of School Children Have Fears About Cycling
Road safety fears are preventing a high proportion of young people from taking up cycling, new research by Brake has revealed.In a survey of school pupils aged 11 to 17, 47% said their parents’ worries put them off walking or cycling, while 41% thought traffic was too fast, to the point of causing danger for pedestrians and cyclists.
Almost two-fifths said a lack of safe routes prevented them from cycling, with 44% of people in the surveyed age group never having cycled at all.
Brake's Deputy Chief Executive Julie Townsend said of the findings: "That so many teenagers are being held back from walking and cycling by safety fears, in spite of its great benefits, is a shocking indictment of our road infrastructure."
However, Cycling Minister Robert Goodwill said that government investment in cycling following a proposed amendment to the Infrastructure Bill will “help keep young cyclists safe”.
"By March 2015, 1.6m children will have received cycle training through the Bikeability scheme,” he said. "We have also made it easier for local authorities to introduce 20mph zones which are designed to help increase safety."
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
It is alarming to hear that road safety issues are preventing young people from taking up cycling on the UK roads. It is crucial further research is conducted into ways to improve road safety in the UK, including schemes such as low-level traffic lights for cyclists and bike-friendly junctions, such as those implemented in Cambridge, which can reduce the likelihood of collisions and serious injuries for cyclists. <br/> <br/>“With an increased focus on encouraging people to cycle, it is important they are reassured that everything possible is being done to improve road safety and protect them from incidents on the road. We have seen first-hand through our work the impact a road collision can have on those involved, with cyclists being particularly vulnerable to serious injuries and it is vital all road users do what they can to ensure everyone is safe on the roads.” Neil Whiteley - Partner
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