The UK was plunged into lockdown in March this year after the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic has seen UK citizens change many of their daily habits, including picking up their bike.

Whether it is for their daily dose of exercise or a new way to get to work, thousands of people have been getting on two-wheels over the last few weeks. This has led to massive increases in bike sales and the suggestions are that the trend could continue after lockdown is lifted.

However, with the announcement that the UK Government is set to provide a “once in a generation” £2 billion plan to boost cycling and walking, is more needed to be done to protect cyclists on the road?

Data collected in April by cycling website, road.cc, has shown that cycling fatalities have more than doubled since lockdown began, with 14 deaths in Great Britain and one in Northern Ireland.

To put this into perspective, the equivalent monthly average between the same dates from 2015-2018 was 6.125 deaths, the Department for Transport statistics tell us.

Why is there a sudden increase in cycling deaths?

Given that UK roads will inevitably be quieter than normal with the outbreak of coronavirus, many are left wondering why we are seeing a spike in cycling fatalities. However, if we delve a little deeper, we may see a perfect storm for cycling accidents, and a clear indication that more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable road users in a post-lockdown world.

Firstly, there are simply more cyclists on the road. Glasgow has seen an incredible 74% increase in cyclists on their roads, with Manchester also seeing a 22% increase. London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, has predicted that up to 8 million journeys made every day will have to be made by alternative means, with cycling picking up most of those.

The increase has partly been down to travel restrictions imposed by the Government, the allowance of daily exercise, and an unusually warm spring. Moving into the summer months could see a further increase in people dusting off their bike.

In addition to there being more cyclists on the road, the cars that are present may be breaking the law more than usual, with the policing of speeding falling significantly since lockdown. There are suggestions that the drivers who are still on the road are more likely to speed, with law-abiding motorists remaining at home.

Both Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police have reported an increase in excessive traffic speeds, with the latter’s police force reporting that 40% of motorists in their area are now breaking the speed limit.

Increases of cyclists and speeding motorist aside, there is a case that many of the cyclists on the road are novices. North Yorkshire Police Sergeant, Kirsten Aldridge, pointed out that there has been an increase in first time riders, novices and young families who wouldn’t normally be cycling.

Campaigners are urging the Government to ensure cyclists are safe on the road, by reallocating road space to create safe environments for travel and exercise. Many local councils have already drawn up plans to redevelop city centres, reimagining how we use roads in densely populated places. It is hoped the Government’s £2 billion injection of funds will pave the way (quite literally) for safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians.

We hope that this spike of 15 deaths last month is just that – a spike. If the trend of these fatality figures continues over the next few months, the Government will have a severe dilemma – encouraging people to get on their bike while the roads are unsafe to do so.   

How can SorryMate Cycle help you?

If you have been knocked off your bike, it can often feel like there is no one to turn to, to help you get back on. SorryMate Cycle are there for cyclists who need help when they’ve had an accident.

We are cyclists, just like you, and understand the distress an accident can have. We want to make our roads safer, and we go after those who don’t.

SorryMate Cycle deal exclusively with cycle accident compensation claims. We are made up of a team of specialist personal injury cycling lawyers, registered with the SRA, that can help you recover your deserved compensation.

Find out today if you have a claim for compensation by completing an enquiry form or by calling 0800 6 300 301.