During the pandemic, England saw a boom in cycling, with a record number of people out on their bikes getting much-needed exercise and fresh air.
Sadly newly released official reports from the Department of Transport reveal more cyclists died on rural roads in 2020 than in the previous two years. 89 people lost their lives on countryside roads last year- up by almost 50% from 60 fatalities in 2019 and 48 in 2018.
This comes at a period where fewer vehicles were using rural routes and there was a decline in traffic generally due to the pandemic restrictions, so the increase is a genuine cause for alarm.
The winter is now upon us with dark, cold nights ahead. NFU Mutual has joined forces with British Cycling and the British Horse Society to launch a campaign called Respect Rural Roads, urging those travelling around the countryside to take more care.
They believe that the number of fatalities and serious injuries can be reduced if people “respect and understand the needs of all rural road users” and “make safety their priority”. They will also urge road users to “respect the hazards and conditions on rural roads” and behave “with caution”.
At SorryMate Cycle we‘re always available for a chat and to offer legal advice to any road user and if we can help we do so with minimal fuss and on ‘no win, no fee’ giving you peace of mind throughout.
We offer personal support throughout the legal process and all our clients have a dedicated solicitor so you always have direct contact and help get you the settlement you deserve.
If you have a similar issue, please contact our experienced team of advisors who would be happy to have a free no-obligation chat on 0800 6 300 301.
