Bike . . . activity

Bicycle Statistics . . . 

http://www.ibike.org/library/statistics.htm

http://www.bicyclepotential.org/

Stastitics that I made Graphs from, using Excel... (reverting back to year 7 IT)

Cycle Safe . . . 

The number of UK cyclists has been in decline since the 1950s. (ref 1)

A 2008 Department for Transport (DfT) survey of almost 8,100 UK households found that 

8% used a bicycle three or more times a week,

14% used their bicycle at least once a week, 

and 8% used their bicycle at least once a month. (ref 2).

69% used a bicycle less than once a year. (ref 3).

Men aged 11 to 16 cycled the most, with males making more cycle trips than women. (ref 4)

 It is estimated that 90,000 road related and 100,000 off-road related cycle crashes happen every year within the UK, this meanscrashes are common and often include motor vehiles.

The majority of road related traffic data are formulated using STATS19 police data. The STATS19 consists of all injuries reported to the police including slight injuries where a patient may not require hospitalisation. Typically these data are confined to crashes on public highways and exclude non collision crashes that do not involve another vehicle.

The data reported below uses STATS19 figures.

2008 shows that 2,565 cyclists were killed or seriously injured in road crashes and a subsequent 13,943 received light injuries. (ref 8)

Cars presented the most risk to cyclists in all types of setting and resulted in 52 cyclist fatalities and 1,813 serious injuries to cyclists. Cyclists admitted to hospital following collisions with motor vehicles are most likely to have injuries to the head or face (49%) or legs and hips (36%). Crashes in which there was no direct collision result in more injuries to the arms and shoulders (47%). (ref 9).

Cycle helmets do not prevent all types of injury or death, however, they play a significant role in reducing head injuries. They are most effective at low impact speeds (approximately 13 mph or less), such as when a cyclist falls from a cycle without the involvement of other vehicles. (ref 10).

Improving cyclists’ safety

The 1999 BMA report Cycle helmets identified a number of measures to improve cyclists’ safety. (ref 11).

These include:

• publicity and education campaigns in order to raise drivers’ awareness of more vulnerable road-users, including cyclists

• the creation of a safer cycling environment (eg improving cycle routes)

• reductions in vehicle speeds and traffic volume in urban areas

• the provision of cycling training for all children

• recognizing road safety, including cycling proficiency education, as part of the curriculum for all school children. This should include basic cycle maintenance, and safety precautions (eg lights, reflective clothing), information on the health benefits of cycling, as well as encouraging cycle helmet use

• ensuring the correct fitting of cycle helmets as poorly fitted helmets are less effective

• advertising standards officials should ensure that the public are protected against misleading safety claims from manufacturers

• cycle manufacturers and retailers should consider supplying a free cycle helmet (or helmet voucher) with every bike sold

• helmet costs should be reduced substantially (in the UK helmets are free of value added tax).

In January 2008, the DfT announced that they were developing a new research project to investigate a range of road cycling and safety matters. These will include; road user safety and cycling data; cycling infrastructure; attitudes and behaviours; and cycle helmets.

http://www.bma.org.uk/health_promotion_ethics/transport/promotingsafecycling.jsp?page=2

References : http://www.bma.org.uk/health_promotion_ethics/transport/promotingsafecycling.jsp?page=8#1

What cyclists would like motorists to know. . .

• Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists - drivers have the major responsibility to take care. Rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists.
• Cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction.
• Cyclists ride away from the kerb, not to annoy motorists but to: avoid drains, potholes and debris, be seen as they come to junctions with side roads and discourage drivers from squeezing past when it's too narrow.
• Cyclists turning right are exposed - and need extra consideration from motorists, especially on multi-lane roads with fast-moving traffic.
• Cyclists can be forced into faster traffic - by vehicles parked in cycle lanes, at junctions or on double yellow lines.
• Cyclists are dazzled by full-beam headlights, like everyone else.
• Cyclists can be fast movers - 20mph or more.

What Motorists would like cyclists to know . . . 

• Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement.
• Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards.
• Motorists may not always see cyclists.
• Motorists are made uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes.
• Motorists can feel delayed by cyclist.
• Motorists don't always understand that some road surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists.

http://www2.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/cyclingandmotorcycling/drivesafecyclesafe.html