Road Safety week is an annual event coordinated by road safety charity Brake that seeks to raise public awareness of road safety, acting as the driver for positive change on our roads.
Brake highlights that the number of cyclists in the UK is increasing at a rapid pace; however those on two wheels are among the most vulnerable UK road users:
- More than a third of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads are those travelling by bike (either bicycle or motorcycle).
- More than 100 bike riders are injured every day in needless, preventable crashes.
Brake’s week-long campaign will raise awareness about the importance of protecting those on two wheels by focusing on:
- Policy-makers being Bike Smart by implementing a safe systems approach, mandating lifesaving technology and prioritising cycle friendly infrastructure.
- Drivers being Bike Smart by looking out for those on two wheels, driving safely and slowly and giving bike riders plenty of space.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists being Bike Smart through safe riding behaviours and appropriate training and equipment.
“The numbers of those travelling on two wheels is ever-increasing and yet bike riders remain incredibly vulnerable to death and injury; that is why this year our theme is Bike Smart,” explained Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns for Brake. “From 19 – 25 November we will be shouting about the importance of bike safety and encouraging all across the UK to do the same. Small changes can help save countless lives on our roads and now is the time for us to act to improve bike safety in the UK.”