The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured during Spring has increased - 12th November 2009

A new report has shown that the number of cycling accidents which result in someone dying or being seriously injured has increased by nearly a fifth during the spring.

The figures, from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that 820 people died or were seriously injured between April and June, compared to 586 in the same period last year as a result of a cycle accident.

Bicycle sales are generally up with Evans Cycles, one of the country's top retailers, saying that sales are up 20 per cent up on last year and researchers believe that an increase in the number of inexperienced cyclists, getting into the saddle for the first time, is at least partly responsible for the DfT figures.

The research found that novices, getting onto a bike for the first time in heavy traffic tend to stay close to the kerb, remain nervous of traffic and frequently wobble.

However, there are also risks in over-confidence. Those dubbed as “lycra louts” frequently ignore traffic signals, sometimes cycle on the pavement risking pedestrian accidents, or the wrong way up one-way streets putting not only themselves at a greater risk of being involved in a road accident, but also the general public around them.

A combination of more people trying to keep fit and more using bicycles instead of cars to save money during the recession may have contributed.

Robert Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Council for Transport Safety says that training is essential. He added: “With more people taking up cycling again, there should be refresher course and more help offered to those who are getting on their bike for the first time.”

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