Icy roads responsible for a quarter of cycling injuries in Bristol
Cyclists in Bristol are being urged to take caution on the icy roads after it was discovered ice was responsible for more than a quarter of cycling injuries.
Research by NHS Bristol, Cycling City and the West of England Road Safety Partnership found that 26 per cent of all non-collision cycling incidents were caused by slipping on ice.
Their results from commuter cyclists found that slipping on the road was the second-highest cause of incidents (eight per cent) followed by slipping on soil, mud or gravel (seven per cent).
NHS Bristol said the avoidable incidents cost the health service millions of pounds a year in hospital admissions.
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In England, the team estimate that slipping on ice is responsible for more than 1,600 emergency department admissions alone.
Rob Benington, NHS Bristol's falls prevention manager and author of the report said: "We want more people to cycle more often, and reducing hazards makes cycling more enjoyable and safer. Ice is a significant hazard that some cyclists may underestimate, or feel forced to face because they have not looked into other options.
"The research clearly shows that cyclists are at-risk when the roads are icy – often from hidden dangers like black ice.
"We suggest that cyclists take some time to consider alternative methods of transport like public transport of car sharing during freezing weather. It's better to arrive safe so we can continue to enjoy cycling when the weather improves."
5 Comments
by djwhitt
Thursday, January 24 2013, 4:10PM
“Would be handy if Bristol City Council bothered gritted the cycle paths... The Bristol Bath one has not been touched, and expect many pedestrians have gone down too, also since the pavements have not been cleared many pedestrians have taken to walking on the roads, so surprised the level of RTC's has not raised?”
by katachua
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 3:57PM
“@PE175
"The reason they fell of their bikes is because the pavements were icy the roads were ok."
Right on the ball, sir. Even after the roads have been cleared, I've seen cyclists sliding about on icy pavements.”
by PE175
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 3:49PM
“The reason they fell of their bikes is because the pavements were icy the roads were ok.”
by Pyronaught
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 2:36PM
“"The research clearly shows that cyclists are at-risk when the roads are icy"
One question.........why does it require 'research' to tell you that?? I had figured that out at the age of about 4. To my recollection, I have never fallen off a bike due to icy roads - I just cycle more carefully. This is rather like saying that fog causes accidents; it doesn't. Driving/cycling inappropriately for the conditions causes accidents.”
by bristolguy
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 2:29PM
“So does this mean that if I fall off my bike during these icy/snowy conditions I can claim off Bristol City Council ? as they are the ones suggesting we leave our cars at home and get on our bikes.”