RISK: Cyclists not going hi-visibility
Large numbers of cyclists are risking their lives by forgetting to use bike lights and wear high-visibility clothing, new research has shown.
A study by Autoglass found that 48% of cyclists admit to being caught without lights or high-visibility clothing when the clocks go back.
Commuter cyclists are most likely to be unwittingly caught out, the survey found, with 63% admitting to forgetting to utilise the basic night safety equipment.
More than half (57%) of cyclists surveyed admitted they could take more action to make themselves visible to other road-users in the dark.
Worryingly, just 39% regularly wear high-visibility clothing, 42% regularly use headlamps on their bike and 27% regularly use brake lights.
Matthew Mycock, Managing Director at Autoglass, said: “Cyclists are the only group of road users at increased risk of injury and death on the roads over recent years and ‘stealth-cycling’ shouldn’t be an option.
“It’s crucial that cyclists do all they can to protect themselves and standing out with high visibility clothing can help to save lives.”
The survey found 31% of cyclists feel making high-visibility jackets compulsory would help ensure safety, with 21% claiming better road lighting would also help.
Government figures show 118 cyclists were killed on Britain’s roads in 2012, up from 107 in 2011 and accounting for 7% of all road deaths.
The number of cyclists seriously injured increased by 4% to 3,222.
Image courtesy of garryknight, with thanks.
