New cycling awareness plan could mean cheaper motor insurance
The Government has recently announced that motorists should be offered cheaper insurance if they take an awareness course for cyclists on UK roads.
In the last year alone, 100 UK cyclists died on the road, whilst 470 pedestrians were killed, a 5% increase.
The Department for Transport is also aiming to give local councils more power in tackling parking in cycle lanes.
It is looking to introduce a series of 50 measures aimed at reducing the number of vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, killed.
According to The BBC, in the proposals local councils will be encouraged to spend roughly 15% of their transport and infrastructure budget on walking and cycling.
A walking & cycling “champion” would be appointed by the Government to ensure that the DfT’s proposed policies meet the needs of the UK’s road users.
Speaking to the BBC, Cycling & Walking Minister Jesse Norman said: “Greater road safety – and especially the protection of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders – is essential.
“We want to improve air quality, encourage healthy exercise, reduce obesity and boost our high streets and economic productivity.
That means more support for cycling and walking, and that’s why these new measures are designed to deliver.”
The DfT are also looking to introduce a new police unit who will analyse evidence of dangerous driving that has been captured by vulnerable users such as on cycle cameras.
The Highway Code could also be in line for a review to reassess its guidance on how drivers should behave around vulnerable road users.
There were some reservations however, with an alliance of cycling and walking bodies such as Cycling UK, British Cycling, Sustrans and The Ramblers expressing frustration that the strategy did not emphasise speed reduction enough.
Cycling UK chief executive Paul Tuohy said: “Lowering vehicle speeds around people walking, cycling and horse riding doesn’t just reduce the danger to them, but also their perception of the danger.
“While the DfT’s proposals for amendments to the Highway Code will help save lives, ignoring the threat and dangers of speeding is disappointing.”
Steps are being made to protect vulnerable road users on UK roads, including pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, however there is still some way to go.
Are you a vulnerable road user? Have you been involved in an accident whilst out on the road? Speak to The Specter Partnership today for a free, no obligation chat about how we can help you.
