Cycling charity urges government to use actions rather than words

A national cycling charity, the CTC, has been focussing it attempts to improve cycling safety by canvassing MPS and calling for more action and funding rather than just words.

The vocal charity has been seeking government commitment to improving the quality of Britain’s cycle pathways and the cycling infrastructures in our cities.   According to the charity, a figure of at least £10 per person annually is a good start to ‘Get Britain Cycling’ by improving road conditions and giving cyclist confidence to see it as a safe and viable method of transportation.

The CTC was giving evidence at a Commons Transport Select Committee inquiry on cycle safety following a succession of 6 tragic cycle deaths in London where it was required to submit evidence.

Campaigns & Policy Director Roger Geffen said:

“Words are not enough to ‘Get Britain Cycling’. We need leadership, commitment to consistently high cycle-friendly design standards, and long-term funding of at least £10 per head annually to achieve these.

“The risks of cycling are lower than most people imagine – yet they are deterred from cycling in Britain due to fear. You are less likely to be killed in a mile of cycling than a mile of walking.  If we are to maximise cycling’s health and other benefits, we must enable people to cycle in conditions that are as inviting as they are in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.  Britain now has 40 years of catching up to do; it is time for action.”

CTC is calling for:

•Mandatory cycle awareness training for lorry drivers, safer lorry designs and equipment and a reduction in HGV’s on busy streets.

•Better policed roads and in particular cycle accident hot spots where dangerous driving should be prioritised and dealt with according to road traffic law enforcement and not downgraded to ‘careless’ driving offences.

•The introduction of 20 mph speed limits in all urban streets (with appropriate Highways approved exceptions) and 40mph zones or lower for rural roads.

•Better designed cycling infrastructure to allow cyclists of all ages and ability to use the roads and lanes safely, especially the hotspot areas where 75% of cyclists’ collision injuries occur.

•Continued cycling campaigns to improve awareness, promote safety and encourage more training among drivers and cyclists alike for example the ‘Bikeability’ training scheme.

•Government focus to include increasing cycling in communities as a healthy, environmentally friendly, viable form of transport rather than purely cycling safety.

If you have been injured in a collision with a car or any other vehicle or know someone who has, then contact our specialist solicitors today on 01625 506655 to discuss your circumstances.  We are experts in accidents involving cyclists and can talk you through your potential compensation claim.