The number of people tragically killed while cycling in London in 2021 decreased by 40% on the 2005-2009 baseline, from 17 to 10 people, according to Transport for London’s (TfL) annual report on road traffic casualties in the capital.
Despite this, the number of serious injuries to people cycling increased by 54%.
This partly reflects increases in the number of journeys cycled, with the latest data showing road journeys by bicycle almost doubling to 4%.
Lime’s Senior Public Affairs Manager Hal Stevenson told Zag Daily: “London has made good progress in creating safer, more sustainable roads through initiatives, such as the Mayor’s Streetspace programme, but these figures make it clear that even more needs to be done. People walking, cycling or scooting are vulnerable road users because of the dominance of cars.”
Cars were the vehicle type involved in the most collisions in 2021, according to TfL.
The vehicle type was involved in 64% of all collisions resulting in death or injury, up from 62% in 2019.
Stevenson said: “Lime is working with policy makers to use our data to help reallocate space to more sustainable transport, making Londoners and visitors feel safer whilst riding or walking. But that won’t get us the whole way. The quickest path to better safety is to further disincentive car driving in London, taking more of these dangerous vehicles off our roads.”
Since the start of the pandemic, TfL has worked closely with London’s boroughs to invest in better cycling infrastructure. This includes more than 100km of new or upgraded cycle lanes, 89 Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and 322 ‘School Streets’.
By Autumn 2021, 19.4% of Londoners lived within 400 metres of a cycle route, an increase of approximately 750,000 residents since 2019.
Georgia Yexley, TIER’s General Manager UK and Ireland, told Zag: “The greatest danger posed to cyclists in London is the car, which TfL’s latest statistics still tragically bear out. It is clearer than ever that if we are to achieve our goals of zero road deaths, as well as improve air quality, we need to challenge car-centric norms.
“It is heartening to see the proliferation of cycle lanes and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. Creating separate spaces for cyclists and motor vehicles to travel through offers a long-term solution, which improves rider safety, encourages more people to cycle and makes our streets a more pleasant place to be.”
