CGS:Road safety staff talk to commuting cyclists on Woodhouse Moor
(black plastic indicates the driver's blind spot)
CGS: Cyclist Michael Oxley (right) gets a free bike safety check with Dr Bike
Cyclists got the chance to see the road from a truck driver’s point of view as part of a new road safety campaign which started today.
The building supplies company CEMEX provided a truck for the event on Woodhouse Moor to help cyclists understand why drivers sometimes do not see them approaching.
More people than ever are cycling in the city, which helps keep them fit and is also good for the environment. But though road injuries in general have fallen to their lowest level since records began, injuries to cyclists are on the increase.
Cyclists now account for nine per cent of the overall casualty total - up from seven per cent in 2008.
Last year 255 cyclists were injured on the roads in Leeds. A total of 45 of them were seriously injured and one person was killed.
The increases have involved adult cyclists. Most of them (85 %) happen on weekdays during morning and evening commutes. The A660 has the highest casualty rates in the city.
The most common cause of collisions is where a motorist signals to allow another driver to turn right in front of them into a side road. The turning vehicle collides with a pedal cyclist who is travelling up the inside of the traffic.
The road safety event marked the start of a road safety campaign to encourage cycling and reduce casualties on the A660 - with information about how and where to get more cycle training and free bike checks by a bike doctor. A series of placards will shortly be erected along the A660 and will remind drivers and cyclists to be aware of each other at all times.
A spokesman for Leeds City Council’s Road Safety Unit said:
“While collisions between cyclists and large goods vehicles are rare the consequences tend to be very severe. By offering cyclists the chance to appreciate the limited view from the cab of a large vehicle we’re hoping to reduce the incidents where cyclists and lorries come into conflict.”
Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy and development said:
“ It’s really good news that more people are cycling in Leeds. Cycling is a great way to keep fit and reduce congestion on the roads. But, as with every form of transport, it’s important to observe the highway code and be aware of other road users.
“We’ve created a number of dedicated cycle paths across the city to help people cycle safely and confidently and there are cycling lanes along most of the major routes into and out of the city. But in traffic it’s vital that cyclists and drivers show awareness and consideration for each if we are to reduce the number of cycle casualties in the city.”
Notes to editors
In 2004, 571 cyclists were commuting to the city centre during the morning peak time. This has increased steadily and consistently to 728 in 2007,1064 in 2009 and 1237 in 2011
Between 1 January 2006 and 8 September 2011 there were 80 collisions involving a pedal cyclist on the A660 between Victoria Road and Glen Road. A total of 57 collisions were right turn conflicts and 20 were left turn conflicts. There were 3 emerging conflicts.
The A660 has the highest cycle casualty collision rate in Leeds. This is partly due to the fact that it is not only a main road into the district, but also because both the Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Leeds are situated along this route.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact;
Annie Goodyear, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3937
Email: anniegoodyear@leeds.gov.uk
