Increase in number of cyclists found to be 'careless driving' on the roads
- Jan 7, 2016
- EmmaArnold
Cyclists ignoring traffic signs and cycling carelessly is becoming a problem, particularly in the capital, as the number of prosecutions has risen.
According to government figures, over the past four years, the number of cyclists successfully prosecuted for ignoring traffic signs has more than doubled.
Cyclist deaths on the road has been a concern we've covered in the past which, again, is an issue of focus in London as the roads can be extremely dangerous.
But these statistics highlight the other angle by showing the poor behaviour of some cyclists with one minister labelling cyclists 'the biggest challenge for a commuter in London.'
There was a rise from 52 cyclists found guilty in 2010 to 125 found guilty in 2014 according to figures published on the parliament website.
Also, the total number of cyclists found guilty for 'careless driving' has increased from 85 to 96.
However, Jeremy Smith, Solicitor at PotterReesDolan and keen cyclist, said:
I read this article with concern. Although, as a cyclist, I certainly agree that we should obey the rules of the road, the reality is that only a tiny minority of cyclists break those rules. 125 cycling convictions is still very low in comparison to the number of motorists breaking the rules of the road – and a motorist breaking a road rule has a much higher chance of causing serious injury or fatality, often to cyclists.
To put this in context, 3,514 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on the roads in 2014 according to Department of Transport figures. And for the transport minister Lord Ahmad to say that the biggest challenge for a commuter in London is cyclists is frankly shocking and betrays a total ignorance of the facts.