‘Take action to cut rising toll of cyclist deaths’ (From thisisoxfordshire)
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‘Take action to cut rising toll of cyclist deaths’
10:30am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News
OXFORD city councillors have called for action over the growing number of serious and fatal accidents involving cyclists on the county’s roads.
A motion approved unanimously by the full council on Monday night heard there were 58 cyclists killed or seriously injured in Oxfordshire in 2011 compared to just 27 in 2001.
Approving the motion, the council agreed to “continue to develop its support for cycling safety with the county council”.
It mentioned work for safer traffic management, improved cycle lanes and better signposting.
The motion was proposed by Green councillors and amended by council deputy leader Ed Turner.
Green deputy group leader Craig Simmons said: “This is extremely concerning. More cyclists are being seriously injured than one would expect looking at the national trends.
“It is clear what needs to be done – simple things like improving road markings or replacing worn markings will make a huge difference. These are inexpensive and quick to action.”
The motion said: “The city council will continue to develop its support for cycling safety with the county council, with work to include improved, safer traffic management, improvement to cycle lanes and better signposting of cycle lanes. It will encourage the county council to consider all measures such as weight restrictions to reduce the risks of accidents.”
Comments(6)
Lord Palmerstone
says...
12:48pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Dilligaf2010
says...
1:40pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Lord Palmerstone wrote:Agreed, there's a particular Range Rover driving around Oxford, with private plates illuminated, front & rear, with strips of blue LEDs, his windows are excessively dark.
In addition the police can help by rigorously enforcing the law which prohibits the excessive colouring in or "tinting" of driver and front seat passenger side windows. I shudder every time I see blacked out front windows; a fatality at a junction just waiting to happen
Sid Hunt
says...
7:37am Thu 28 Feb 13
One death is too many but what is the actual breakdown of the KSI figure and what is the definition of the 'SI' part? I understand that some authorities define an SI as attendance by ambulance even if no treatment is required.
Figures can be very misleading when presented in an ambiguous way.
Dilligaf2010
says...
9:49pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Vehicles are fitted with direction indicators for a reason, and a cyclist can't cycle along with an arm raised indicating that they're turning, they shouldn't be allowed on the road.
Sid Hunt
says...
10:43am Fri 1 Mar 13
Kevin Webster Iffley Fields wrote:It doesn't answer the question as it does not provide what constitutes the classification of "serious injury". If it is merely the attendance of medical personnel at an incident then, clearly, it is incorrect.
Sid Hunt wrote:KSI's for cyclists have fallen in all parts of the UK except Oxford, Oxford has thrown good money after bad on making cycling as safe as it can be. The reason is, the attitude of cyclists in Oxford, and the amount of Drunken Cycling that goes on amongst the so called intelligent youngsters attending our education factories. If you look at the official figures, most Serious injuries in Oxford involve no other vehicle, that should answer your question.
"58 cyclists killed or seriously injured"
One death is too many but what is the actual breakdown of the KSI figure and what is the definition of the 'SI' part? I understand that some authorities define an SI as attendance by ambulance even if no treatment is required.
Figures can be very misleading when presented in an ambiguous way.
Those compiling these figures should provide the basis for them.
Dilligaf2010 says...
12:38pm Wed 27 Feb 13
This isn't going to be a have a go at the cyclists comment, because drivers can do things to help prevent accidents too, especially at this time of the year.
Drivers;-
1. Make sure all your vehicle lights are working, and clean.
2. Make sure your windows and mirrors are clean, and not misted-up.
3. Make sure your wipers are clean and in good condition.
4. Be extra vigilant if traffic's heavy, or the weather's bad, cyclists can appear out of nowhere.
Cyclists;-
1. Make sure your lights are working, and fitted to your bike.
2. Wear something reflective, or bright clothing.
3. If the weather's bad, or traffic's heavy, use some common sense, drivers can't be looking in all directions at once, give them a fighting chance to see you.
4. If you're following a vehicle, make sure you can see its mirrors, if you can't see them, the driver can't see you.