Cycling Deaths Rose in 3 of last 4 Recessions New Reports Suggest

The number of cyclists killed in the UK has risen during three of the last four recessions, new figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) suggest.

The data has led specialists to believe that in times of recession people swap their expensive cars for two wheels with the hope of saving money, and therefore the deathtoll rises.

The DfT’s 2011 annual report showed that cycling related deaths rose by 7% from 104 in 2009 to 111 in 2010.

Similarly during the recession in the 1930s, cycling deaths rose by 58% and in the 1980s recession by 14%.

A spokesperson from a London based law firm said: “In the last 12 months we have seen a marked increase in the number of personal injury claims brought by people involved in accidents related to cycling. We monitor London and the south-west, particularly Bristol, and we are seeing a definite trend of increasing claims.”

The DfT’s report also showed that 60% of cycling accidents happen between 7am–10am and 4pm–7pm respectively; most of which are likely to be people commuting to and from work.

Charlie Lloyd, who represents the London Cycling Campaign said “Cycling fatalities in general are not getting any worse. It is likely that any increase in the number of fatalities during a recession is related to an increase in the number of cyclists. More people get on their bike or spend more time on a bike during a recession.”

Inexperienced cyclists are being warned to steer clear of busy roads until they have the knowledge to make a route by bike confidently.

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