You don’t necessarily need statistics to tell you that cycling continues to be popular across the United Kingdom as both a recreational activity and a sustainable mode of transport. All you have to do is go out at any time of day or night, in any weather, and you'll encounter plenty of cyclists on our roads. But how safe is it out there for bike riders? The latest government stats give us something of a mixed picture. So let’s delve into the data and discover the trends we've identified in the reported road collisions and fatal cycling accidents over the past decade or two.

Fatalities are down but serious injuries are up

Despite a 39% increase in pedal cycle traffic between 2004 and 2023, the number of cycling accident fatalities has shown a promising decline. In 2023, 87 pedal cyclists were killed in Great Britain, marking a 35% reduction from the 134 fatalities recorded in 2004. This decrease suggests that safety interventions like road safety campaigns, and new cycling infrastructure like segregated bike lanes and traffic calming measures, are working.

Despite this good news, the number of serious injuries has risen by 18%, with 3,942 reported in 2023, compared to 3,329 in 2004 - so what's going on? Accidents of all kinds are down overall, with a year on year drop over the last few years. It’s possible that safety measures are causing people to be injured, rather than killed.

Insights from the cycling accident statistics

Dig beneath the inconsistent picture painted by this top-level data, and the analysis throws up some clear trends and insights:

Common collision partners

Cars continue to be the cause of nearly half (46%) of pedal cycle fatalities, and two-vehicle collisions between a bike and a car are the most common cause of serious accidents.

Rural roads increase fatality risk

Although they only account for 31% of cycling traffic volume, 58% of cycling fatalities occur on rural roads. Higher speeds and potentially limited infrastructure in the area may contribute to this disproportionate fatality rate.​

Males are more at risk

Gender plays a clear role, with men making up 82% of the cyclists killed or seriously injured. This is likely linked to higher cycling participation rates among males.​

Not checking

Drivers or riders failing to look properly remains the most common contributory factor in serious accidents and fatalities. Car drivers were responsible for 67% of accidents caused by a failure to look compared to cyclists at 33%. It seems that efforts to curb drink and drug driving are also working, with driver and rider impairments being the least common cause of cycling injury and death.

Age plays a part

Riders aged 50 to 59 accounted for the highest proportion of cyclist fatalities, making up 20% of the total. ​

Understanding the rise in serious injuries

While the reduction in fatalities is encouraging, the rise in serious injuries among pedal cyclists needs closer examination. Several factors may contribute to this trend:​

• Increased cycling activity: the 39% rise in pedal cycle traffic between 2004 and 2023 means more cyclists are on the roads, leading to a higher number of incidents that result in serious injuries.
• Improved severity reporting systems: greater awareness and better reporting mechanisms may have led to more accurate documentation of serious and slight injuries, giving us a more comprehensive picture of cycling accidents than in the past.​
• Urban traffic conditions: increased congestion and interactions with motor vehicles in urban areas, particularly during the rush hour period, can heighten the risk of serious injuries for cyclists.​

How do we reduce accidents involving cyclists?

Targeted interventions are essential to improve safety. While individual cyclists can take steps to protect themselves, such as wearing high-visibility clothing and using lights, the greatest impact will come from systemic changes to infrastructure, policy and public awareness.

Infrastructure

Investing in dedicated cycling lanes, particularly in rural areas, will significantly improve safety. 58% of pedal cycle fatalities occur on rural roads, despite them accounting for only 31% of cycling traffic. Well-designed segregated cycle paths reduce direct interactions between cyclists and motor vehicles, lowering the risk of serious and fatal collisions. In urban areas, improved junction design, safer crossings, and more protected cycle routes can further mitigate the risks that lead to accidents involving cyclists.

Public awareness campaigns

Cycling safety requires a shift in behaviour from all road users. Educational initiatives targeting both motorists and cyclists can reduce road collisions. Campaigns that stress the importance of checking for cyclists before opening car doors, leaving adequate space when overtaking and understanding the rights of cyclists on the road will change driver behaviour over time. Also, promoting best practices for cyclists (like defensive riding techniques and positioning on the road) will improve their safety. Programmes like Cycling UK’s road safety campaigns have already contributed to better public understanding, but continuous efforts are needed to reinforce these messages.

Policy and enforcement

Strong policies and consistent enforcement will make roads safer for cyclists. Lower speed limits in areas with high cyclist traffic have been shown to reduce the severity of injuries when accidents do occur. Stringent penalties for dangerous driving, particularly for offences that put cyclists at risk - such as close passing or distracted driving - can deter reckless behaviour. Pursuing compensation will hold drivers who are responsible for accidents to account, and can help to make sure that similar accidents don't occur in the future.

Unfortunately, cyclists will always be vulnerable to injuries caused by the actions of other road users. At Switalskis, our team of cycling accident compensation experts will help you make a claim for your injuries on a no win, no fee basis. If you would like to speak to one of our team, call us on 0800 138 0458 or reach out via our website to arrange a free consultation.