Non-collision cycling injuries

Slipping on ice is the main cause of non-collision incidents for cyclists, according to the results of this survey conducted by Better By Bike and NHS Bristol on behalf of the West of England Road Safety Partnership.

The study revealed that slipping on ice is the most common incident, mentioned by 26% of respondents. The next most common incident was slipping on wet roads, with 8% of reported incidents occurring in these conditions.

Most road users are aware of collision incidents, but the research showed that cyclists are more likely to be involved in non-collision incidents. In 2008/09, 9,447 cyclists were admitted to hospital in England following a non-collision incident, with ice causing an estimated 40,000 incidents in total. By comparison, during the same period, 1,826 cyclists were admitted following a collision with a vehicle.

In response to the figures NHS Bristol, Bristol City Council’s ‘Better by bike’ team, and other partners including the West of England road safety partnership, are working across Bristol to raise awareness of avoidable hazards, particularly around ice on the roads during commuter times.