Safety in Numbers for Cyclists in England: Measuring the Effect

This report suggests that ‘safety in numbers’ applies to cyclists here in England as well as other parts of the world.

The authors say a number of international studies have identified the effect known as ‘safety in numbers’ (SIN), which suggests that when there are more cyclists on the road, the rate of injury collisions involving cyclists reduces.

Using data from all 319 English local authority areas, this report now suggests that SIN can be seen in this country.

The study shows that annually as many as one in 20 cyclists can be involved in a collision in areas where there are relatively few bikes on the road, compared to one in 500 in areas where cycling is more popular.

The report concluded that northern towns and cities where levels of cycling are low – including Rotherham, Chesterfield, Leeds and Liverpool – have the most dangerous roads for cyclists.

On the flip side, the research found that many parts of the south and Midlands were safest, including places such as Lincoln, Oxford and Cambridge.

The report does however warn that more cyclists on the roads will result in an increase in the absolute number of injuries to cyclists unless significant measures to improve infrastructure are put in place at the same time.