There has been, as we all know some high profile court cases involving cyclists
and serious injury and deaths not just to cyclists themselves but also as a
result of collisions with other road users and pedestrians. It has in part led
to the government looking afresh at the laws around cycling. Some of our
current regulation is very old.
All road users in the UK have to contend with some of the busiest roads in the
World. That in itself is a factor in the current debate. Add in the inevitable
frustrations over road use and congestion and it can lead to accidents or
actions and reactions that are unhelpful at best and downright dangerous. Whilst
recognising these and other factors it is also worth noting that we still have
one of the best road accident rates in the World. Road deaths have seen a
steady decline over many years albeit with some blips. The trend is down and
whilst that is to be welcomed we all want to see that figure continue to fall.
Cyclists, whilst there has been a huge resurgence in popularity still represent
a tiny proportion of traffic on our roads and yet are involved in a
disproportionality high number of accidents. This needs addressing as every
death or injury is a tragedy.
Part of the process in improving road safety is ensuring that all road users
show and have respect for other road users. The more crowded it is the greater
the need. There is also the vital role of taking personal responsibility.
Drivers using mobile phones are now heavily punished to the extent that those
who have passed their driving test within the last two years lose their licence
on first offence if caught using a phone. There are seatbelt laws too - a
factor that has greatly aided safety. Cyclists must be encouraged (I am
reticent about legislation on this) to take their own personal safety as a
given: high viz clothing, helmets and also adherence to the high way code.
The logic is that whilst provision is improving for cyclists with road design,
cycle lanes and priority at traffic lights and more there must also be a clear
recognition that all road users, regardless of their chosen transport method,
must take responsibility firstly for themselves and then for others on the
road.
