Are drivers aware of cyclists?
In the past few years road cycling has increased in popularity, with the current economic climate, and the increase in commuting costs, more and more people are turning to cycling. Because of this, it seems we’ve seen an increase in cycle-related road traffic accidents, such as ‘hit and runs’ and ‘road rage’. In London alone, there are over half a million cyclists taking to the streets, making the capital city one of the most dangerous for cyclists in the country.
Hit & Runs
Sadly, hit and run incidents, in which cyclists are seriously harmed or killed, are also on the increase. According to Critical Mass London “nearly 1 in every 6 pedal cyclist casualties in the UK occurs in a ‘hit and run’ accident’”. For example, in the Borough of Hackney in 2011, 119 cyclists were victims of hit and run incidents.
Experts believe that a large number of hit and run’s occur due to the number of illegal drivers on the roads; London Assembly Green Party member Jenny Jones stated that “the MET has made a lot of progress in tackling the problem of hit-and-run drivers in recent years by removing thousands of uninsured and unlicensed drivers from our streets…But the number of hit and runs in London remains at a high level which is incredibly concerning”.
The Statistics
According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), in July 2012, 107 cyclists were killed, 3,085 were seriously injured and 16,023 were slightly injured; this report only accounts for incidents reported to the Police, and it is estimated that as many as 90% of cycle accidents are never reported.
Although 81% of cycle accidents involve a cycle and a car, accidents between cycles and HGV’s are on the rise, with incidents between the two more likely to result in serious injury; furthermore 10% of accidents are fatalities, meaning that nearly 1 in 4 cyclists were killed in an accident with a HGV.
Dr Katherine Giles was killed in London this year by a lorry, making her the 62nd cyclist to die in London since Boris Johnson took over in 2008 , causing the Mayor to take a look at the rules about HGV’s travelling to London, stating, “In future we are going to be stipulating that no HGV can enter London unless it meets cycle safety standard”.
Until such a thing can be implemented, Transport for London has adapted a ‘stay safe, stay back’ policy , which relates to cyclists’ safety when approaching large vehicles, such as lorries and HGV’s, whilst on the road. Lorries have a large number of blind spots causing a distinct disadvantage for noticing cyclists; cyclists are therefore advised to stay behind large vehicles on approach, and try to get in a good position where the driver can see them, and therefore reduce the number of casualties.
Advice
Transport for London offer a range of cycle safety tips with images and advice for drivers and cyclists sharing the roads, such as:
At traffic lights:
Drivers should leave room for cyclists - Drivers should not enter the ‘Advanced Stop Line’ box when the light is red. This space is reserved for the safety of cyclists.
Cyclists must stop at red lights - When using the road, cyclists must abide by the Highway Code.
Lorries & HGV’s:
Cyclists should stay behind HGV’s and other large vehicles – ‘Stay safe, stay back’ behind lorries and other large vehicles as they may be unable to see you in their blind spot.
Drivers need to be aware of cyclists – all drivers, especially HGV drivers, should always be aware of cyclists and double check before turning.
At junctions:
Drivers should look out for cyclists – before turning, drivers should always look twice.
Other advice includes:
Make eye contact with drivers so they know you’re there;
Pay attention;
Be aware of what other road users are doing;
Use hand signals when turning;
Always wear a helmet;
Wear bright clothing in the day and reflective clothing at night;
Use lights in evenings/night – white at the front and red at the back.
How to cover yourself
Personal Accident Cover is an optional extra with Velosure Cycle Insurance, and will cover you for death, loss of limb, loss of sight and permanent total disablement. In addition to this cover, you can also take out ‘Road Rage Cover’ that will offer you emergency dental treatment, a hospital benefit, and counselling sessions if you are the victim of a road rage assault. Velosure includes free legal advice on non fault claims by our fully trained solicitors.
If you wish to take our cover, or have any questions, visit velosure.co.uk.
