Make streets safer for cycling to build on Tour de France fever

AS Britain gets set to host the 1st stage of the Tour de France - with the 'Grand Départ' from Yorkshire soon underway, a survey of over 1,000 young people published by Brake and the insurer RSA Group has found some teen and parental angst about taking to 2 wheels. The survey also reveals that most teenagers don't pay much attention to the safest routes for cycling or walking. Both organisations are calling for action from national and local government to improve cycling in our Towns and Cities.

The survey's key findings are:-

►  42% would like to be able to start cycling or cycle more.

►  Of those who want to start cycling or cycle more, 39% say lack of safe routes is a factor.

►  46% say their parents would worry about them cycling.

►  32% say they would feel nervous cycling on local roads.

►  Only 9% cycle weekly or more.

►  23% never cycle.

►  70% don't consider what the safest route to use is for walking and cycling.

Brake said that introducing 20mph limits around homes, schools and shops, alongside improvements to existing road design would help produce more safe cycling routes to deliver a legacy of healthy, active, green communities where everyone can cycle and walk without being endangered. They are also calling on drivers everywhere to do their bit to make roads safer, by slowing down, giving space to cyclists and looking out for people on bike and foot.

Brake is part of GO 20, a coalition of 17 charities and organisations calling for: more local authorities to implement 20mph limits across towns, cities and villages; the government to work towards 20mph being the norm in all our communities; and drivers to pledge to GO 20 around homes, schools and shops.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, says:- "Bringing 'Le Tour' to our home county of Yorkshire is a great coup for the region and the rest of the UK, but this survey shows that young people who want to cycle more are wary of doing so. We have a long way to go before the UK's streets are truly cyclist-friendly. It remains that fast traffic and inadequate safe routes have a major impact on people's ability to choose and enjoy cycling. We believe everyone should be able to cycle or walk in their community or to get to work or school without fear or threat. Anyone who drives can help bring this about: pledge to GO 20 around homes, schools and shops, and take great care to look out for cyclists and pedestrians this summer and year-round. We're also appealing to more authorities to recognise the huge demand for safe walking and cycling, and enormous benefits of widespread 20mph limits and safe routes, and GO 20."

Peter Collins, head of corporate responsibility for RSA, says:- "In a year when the Tour de France starts in the UK with a current British champion it's sad to see that so many of our teens are put off cycling by safety fears. Not only is cycling good for health; there are also environmental benefits - but safety is paramount and that's why initiatives like 'GO 20' are so important."

Did you know that:-

►  Fewer casualties:- at 20, drivers have much more time to react and stop in time if they need to. Studies show when 20 limits replace 30, it means fewer casualties among pedestrians and cyclists.

►  More walking and cycling:- danger from traffic is a major barrier in enabling more people to walk and cycle. Town and city-wide 20 limits have resulted in more people walking and cycling.

►  Healthier, happier people:- More walking and cycling means healthier people, and more enjoyable outdoors activity for kids and adults. It helps communities interact and be communities.

►  Less pollution:- GOing 20 means lower emissions from vehicle journeys. Plus if more people can switch their commute or school run to foot or bike, it means less polluting traffic.

►  Lower costs: Poor health from inactivity costs society dearly. Road casualties cost even more, due to the suffering and burden on health and emergency services. Preventing casualties and improving health means GOing 20 pays for itself many times over. It also helps people save money by choosing the cheapest ways to get about: foot and bike.

This survey supports findings from 12 months ago, when Brake surveyed 1,000 cyclists. It revealed that 88% thought traffic was too fast on roads in their area and an overwhelming 98% said more should be done to make local streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.