CIVIC chiefs have outlined a raft of measures they are taking to make Southampton a safer city for cyclists.

The city council has highlighted the progress made since the launch of a ten-year cycling strategy which aims to reduce the number of accidents involving people getting around on two wheels.

It follows a report which says Hampshire is the most dangerous place in the country for cyclists.

As reported in the Daily Echo, cycle injury specialists Claims.co.uk, which gathered data from police forces across the UK, says cycling enthusiasts are more likely to be involved in an accident in Hampshire than anywhere.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The council has responded by outlining the steps it is taking to safeguard cyclists in Southampton and neighbouring communities, including Eastleigh, Totton and Chandler's Ford.

A spokesperson said: "Our ten-year cycling strategy sets out Southampton City Council’s approach to investing in - and realising - our vision for cycling.

"We want cycling to be treated as a normal form of transport and safety is a big part of this.

"We are committed to continually investing in improving safety for people cycling with better facilities that are designed with safety at their heart so we can reduce the risks – both perceived and actual.

"We continually review our existing facilities and crossings to make sure they provide a safe space for cycling."

The council is working with other organisations in a bid to reduce to the number of hazardous incidents, including vehicles passing too close as they overtake cyclists.

Hampshire Chronicle:

"We work closely with the police and other partners on initiatives that challenge behaviours and perceptions," said the spokesperson.

"These include the Close Pass campaign, Be Safe Be Seen and awareness training for taxi, HGV and bus drivers so drivers and cyclists can experience the road from a different perspective.

"We're only two years into the strategy but we've already made big improvements to the Southampton Cycle Network (SCN).

"The SCN1 route from Totton to Southampton Central station is now complete, providing a segregated and shared use path cycling freeway with safe crossing points.

"Works on the SCN3 Eastern Cycle Freeway are under way. The main route to the east of the city will benefit from major investment on the A3024 Bursledon Road to create a new safe and segregated cycle freeway.

"We’ve recently upgraded parts of the SCN5 route and improved links between the city centre and Southampton Common."