Road Safety Week 19-25 November #BikeSmart

In recent years the popularity of cycling has increased, and it's easy to understand why - it’s a sustainable method of transportation, and an excellent way to keep fit!

According to statistics taken from the European Cyclists’ Federation, Cycling Facts and Figures, the highest percentage of bicycle usage is in Copenhagen closely followed by Amsterdam.  This may come as no surprise.  Cycling is actively encouraged in these bike-friendly European cities; infrastructure is better and roads are therefore safer.

Unfortunately, cyclists continue to be one of the most vulnerable groups of people on our roads and a whopping 45% of all cyclist deaths occur at or near junctions.

Brake, the road safety charity, has coordinated Road Safety Week 2018 which takes place 19-25 November.  This year’s theme is all about being Bike Smart and highlights the importance of the campaign.  Here are a few important facts.

• More people are cycling so there is a greater need to protect them with a safe system approach.
• In 2016 there were 18,477 cyclist casualties and 19,297 motorcyclist casualties.
• Motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants per mile ridden.
• Motorcyclists comprise the largest proportion (25%) of road crash admissions to trauma centres.

Once again the Personal Injury team at Roythornes is proud to support Road Safety Week.  It is a campaign very close to our hearts.  We continue to represent individuals involved in road traffic incidents and we have seen the devastation and life-changing injuries people have suffered through the negligence of other road users.

Road Safety Week is extremely important and the campaign is encouraging everyone to be Bike Smart.  It's very simple to take part.

The campaign is urging all road users to implement the safe system approach:

1. look out for those on two wheels;
2. drive safely and slowly;
3. give cyclists and motorcyclists plenty of space.

Cyclists continue to be one of the most vulnerable groups of people on our roads despite efforts to improve safety.  Please help us to spread this very important message so our streets are safer for all!

#BikeSmart top tips:

We’re getting involved in Road Safety Week and so should you.  To see what’s happening across the UK, and to find out how you can help, click this link which will take you to the Brake charity website.

Don’t forget, keep up-to-date with us on Twitter @Roythornes_PI  .