Cyclists and Road Accidents

 

Cyclists are very vulnerable on the roads. The provision of more cycle tracks, cycle lanes and advanced stop lines at junctions would help.

 

The most common types of accident involving cyclists, where someone else is likely to be at fault, are where a motorist turns across the path of the cyclist or pulls into his path or where the cyclist is overtaking or hit in the rear.

More than half of cyclist casualties sustain arm or leg injuries. Injuries to the chest or abdomen are much less frequent but when they do happen they may involve head injuries as well. The head is more likely to come into contact with the ground or a hard surface before other parts of the body. Over 50% of cyclists who are injured sustain head injuries. About 70% of those who are killed sustain a major head injury.

 

The main problem is the visibility of cyclists by drivers. Therefore, the basic rule of safety is to make sure that you are easily seen by drivers.

 
Statistics for 2003 show that 114 cyclists were killed for the year - among a total casualty figure of 17,033. Roughly 90% of cycling accidents occur in urban areas. 75% happen at or near a road junction especially T junctions. Roundabouts too are accident hot spots.

 
Most accidents happen in daylight with rush hour times being the most dangerous. Also the spring and summer months account for most of the accidents.