Cyclists facing increasing dangers on Kingston roads (From Kingston Guardian)
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Cyclists facing increasing dangers on Kingston roads
11:40am Friday 20th August 2010 in News By Omar Oakes
Latest figures show Kingston’s cyclists are facing increasing danger on main roads.
In 2009, nine cyclists suffered serious injuries on the Borough’s roads, while sixty minor injuries were reported, a rise of 17 from 2008.
There was also a growth in injuries sustained motorcyclists but, while it makes bleak reading for two-wheel fans, there is brighter news for other road users.
Total pedestrian casualties fell by seven to 73, while there were fewer reported serious injuries sustained by car occupants.
There were two fatalities in 2009, which shows there is still work to be done.
A Kingston Council spokesman said: “Kingston consistently records some of the lowest figures across London.”
Financial backing for a further reduction of casualties may come as a result of the borough’s progress, the spokesman said.
He added: “Because of our excellent record we attracted nearly £4m from the Government for further transport improvements.”
The news comes as Kingston Council wraps up its free cyclist training for children programme for the summer. Throughout July and August, children from local schools have been given training in how to cycle safe on our busy roads.
Comments(7)
u9ge
says...
3:31pm Fri 20 Aug 10
As for the state of the roads, just try cycling down Victoria Road. I am sure the council just picks the contractor who turns up with the cutest guide dog and sends them off to waste their revenues.
onfoot
says...
11:55pm Fri 20 Aug 10
mitchamdonner
says...
9:44am Sat 21 Aug 10
Things like 'pinch points' dont help. I dont think that many of the council staff that design 'road calming' features have any experience of cycling whatsoever. Eg the martin way debacle in Merton, where merton cycling advised cyclists to avoid the road altogether as it was now so dangerous.
If you see a pothole, get onto the CTC website and report it thru their reporting application. Merton fixed one in 3 days!
ChuckWoking
says...
3:46pm Sat 21 Aug 10
onfoot wrote:Perhaps if the roads were safer, with better design for cyclists and fewer maniac car drivers, more cyclists would be on the roads and you would have less to winge about.
How can the cyclists in the local area comment on the state of the roads as they spend most of their time using the footpaths to ride on.
But that is stating the obvious, isn't it...?
Angela M
says...
9:32am Mon 23 Aug 10
onfoot
says...
9:47pm Mon 23 Aug 10
ChuckWoking wrote:In responce to chuck having been struck by cyclists several times when walking on the footpaths and they have not even stopped or said sorry yes i do have something to winge about.
onfoot wrote:Perhaps if the roads were safer, with better design for cyclists and fewer maniac car drivers, more cyclists would be on the roads and you would have less to winge about.
How can the cyclists in the local area comment on the state of the roads as they spend most of their time using the footpaths to ride on.
But that is stating the obvious, isn't it...?
And to state the obvious the clue is in the name it is a footpath.
GR-London says...
1:26pm Fri 20 Aug 10
I told a council in London about a very dangerous pothole on a main narrow road, which could be fatal for a cyclist. At first they refused to fill it in and only after some pressure did they agree, but took three months to do it.
They only seem interested in road safety if they can fine someone (usually the car driver). It's about time some of these overpaid and incompetent council officials were held to account.
Do cyclists have to be killed before action is taken?