When lockdown began and the roads emptied, the number of cyclists taking to the street grew by the day, with bicycle manufactures and cycling shops across the UK reporting a huge increase in demand.
During National Bike Week, which started on Saturday 6 June, we’re celebrating safer cycling by sharing stories, quizzes and tips that consider the many benefits that come from getting on your bike, while reiterating the importance of being confident, careful and in control.
Stay safe and switched on
Our personal injury solicitor, Peter Lorence, is a keen cyclist and supports positive changes that will make cycling safer. Naturally, he’s enthused to see so many bikes out and about, but knows through his day job, the role all road users need to play to stay safe over the coming weeks. As an associate member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking we hope to see the introduction of more pop-up bike lanes, wider pavements and cycle and bus-only streets that will help to make the roads safer for everyone.
We asked Peter to share his thoughts during Bike Week 2020 and here is what he had to say:
“During such challenging times it’s been uplifting to see new cyclists on the road and it’s certainly given me a boost seeing so many people cycling to maintain a healthy mind and body.
“With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, we’re starting to see a return to busy roads and traffic that makes cycling a very different proposition to back in March, when social distancing was first introduced.
“We don’t want to put anyone off cycling and are delighted that the Government has committed to making it safer, but their proposed changes won’t happen overnight. In the meantime, cyclists and vehicle drivers need to continue to champion the collective and supportive ethos we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic.
“With businesses reopening and employees commuting by bike and car we need people to drive and ride sensibly, at the right speed. Sadly, we see all too often the life-changing impact road injuries have on innocent individuals and their families.
“So let’s all stay switched on and keep cycling safely with a smile on your face.”
Safe C-Y-C-L-I-N-G tips
To help remind everyone of the basics, we’ve created a series of simple safety tips to mark Bike Week’s #7DaysofCycling. If you’ve just started going out on the road then this is going to be ‘ride’ up your street.
We’ve been sharing a different tip each day on our Twitter and Instagram channels, but you can watch them all together in one place.
Positive changes for cyclists
As Peter mentioned earlier, the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, announced some very significant measures to get more people cycling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes to everyday life.
These include:
- A national cycling and walking plan, which will be published later this month
- A renewed commitment to double the number of people in the UK cycling by 2025
- At least one “zero-emission city,” with its centre restricted to bikes and electric vehicles
- A voucher scheme for bike repairs and maintenance, and plans to boost bike fixing facilities
- Much closer links with the NHS, with GPs prescribing cycling and exercise
- A £2bn fund for cycling and walking
- £250million emergency fund for instant pop-up schemes.
The most significant announcement was the new fast-track statutory guidance, which means that councils are required to cater for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians by reallocating road space, and that the government can take control of highways powers from councils that don't comply.
New cycle lanes, wider pavements and low traffic zones in residential areas are among the emergency measures being put in place.
Other changes are planned in cities across the UK with additional cycle lanes in Birmingham and Leicester, while Sheffield and Bristol city councils are fast-tracking plans to reduce car use.
These changes feel both positive and long overdue. The latest government survey data before lockdown showed that 61% of people thought cycling on the road was too dangerous. This has to change if people are to stay on their bikes when things return to some kind of normality.
Sharing our clients’ stories
Throughout UK Bike Week we’ll be speaking to our clients and sharing their cycling stories to reinforce why safety must come first and to hear some of the positives that come from getting out on your bike.
We’ll update the page throughout the week with their stories.
Turning Point – June 2020
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