Council Aims To Reduce Number Of Casualties

The number of cyclists killed or injured on Leeds’ roads has increased in the last year, despite general road casualties falling.

Statistics from the Department for Transport revealed 15 people were killed on the city’s roads in 2013, compared to Manchester which had four deaths.

The figures also showed the number of cyclists who were injured in Leeds increased from 257 in 2012 to 314 last year.

Now, Leeds City Council bosses have pledged to ensure that the lasting legacy of the Tour de France in Yorkshire will reduce the number of cyclist casualties.

The statistics revealed today showed that the number of general casualties on the roads of Leeds has fallen from 2,748 to 2,433 in one year; however the number of deaths on roads across West Yorkshire has increased from 49 in 2012 to 55 last year.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: “We are pleased to note that the figures released by the Department for Transport today show that the number of road traffic casualties on the district’s roads has fallen to an all-time low.

“The number of injuries to cyclists has risen over the last year, but this has to be put into the context of far more cyclists riding their bikes on the district’s roads.

“As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a lasting legacy for the Grand Depart in Yorkshire, extensive work is being carried out to ensure the annual rate of cyclist casualties in the Yorkshire and Humber region is below the national rate for England for the next 10 years.

The increasing number of cyclists taking to Britain’s roads has prompted a first aid charity to launch an app to help cyclists equip themselves with lifesaving skills.

St John’s Ambulance has launched the initiative after figures revealed cycling casualties across the country have risen two per cent to nearly 19,500 in 2013, compared to a fall in the number for other road users.

Regional director Simon Dunn said: “We know many cyclists have accidents on the road each year, sometimes resulting in injuries where first aid could have made a difference.

“We want to ensure that Yorkshire and Humber cycling communities are equipped with this essential knowledge, so that more cyclists can help when the unexpected happens.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to cycling injury claims

Expert Opinion

These figures from the Department of Transport are concerning, particularly as the Tour de France opening ceremony in Yorkshire is inspiring hundreds of cyclists to take to the roads. <br/> <br/>“Cycling is an excellent way to keep fit and reduce congestion on the roads but it is vital all road users are aware of the risks and take steps to minimise them. It is everyone’s responsibility to be safe on the roads. <br/> <br/>“The council also has a duty to maintain roads and provide appropriate facilities and we hope to see an increase in cycle paths and for roads to kept in better condition as potholes pose a significant risk. <br/> <br/>“Irwin Mitchell has long supported the work of St John’s Ambulance and we welcome the First Aid app as it is vital people are aware of what to do when the worst happens - it could prove lifesaving.” <br/> Cathryn Godfrey - Associate