HARTLEPOOL youngsters have joined road safety partners and the emergency services in urging drivers to take a second look for cyclists after new figures revealed more than half of collisions involving bikes were caused by drivers failing to see them.
Pupils from Throston Primary School are urging road users to slow down and watch out for people on cycles.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “With the summer holidays under way, more children are likely to be out cycling – and drivers are being urged to watch out for people stepping out and riding bikes, while cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets and bright or reflective clothing.”
Newly released figures show that, during the last five years, children accounted for around a quarter of cyclist casualties in the region. In that time, 458 child cyclists were injured in road collisions, 86 of them suffering serious injuries. Tragically, two children were killed.
Failure to look properly was the leading contributory factor, accounting for 62% of casualties, with almost all of the casualties being boys. Most at risk are 11 to 15-year-olds, who accounted for 71% of all child cycling casualties.
Peter Slater, Chair of RSGB NE – which is a road safety campaign group representing the 12 local authorities from across the region – said urgent action was needed to better safeguard children.
“We’re asking all road users to slow down, stay alert and take a second look for cyclists, particularly at junctions, when overtaking, or before opening a vehicle door,” said Peter.
“Children should be able to cycle safely in their communities. Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users, and by giving them space and looking properly before making a manoeuvre, drivers can help prevent avoidable collisions and keep young people safe.”
Youngsters at Throston Primary School have been learning about road safety through Bikeability training delivered by their council’s road safety team.
Every year, thousands of children across the North East take part in Bikeability training, helping them develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely. As more young people get out on their bikes during the summer holidays, it is vital that drivers also play their part.
Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police’s Operation Dragoon team, said: “We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as possible, especially for those who may be more at risk such as children cycling. Serious or fatal collisions can destroy lives and rip families apart – and quite often they are entirely preventable.”
The figures show that one of the most common locations for cyclists to become involved in a collision is close to a junction – with 59% of cyclist casualties occurring within 20m of a junction.
Matthew Lidster, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Road and Water Safety Team Lead, said: “Every road traffic collision has the potential to change lives in an instant. As a fire service, we see first-hand the devastating impact these incidents can have on children, families and communities. By slowing down, staying alert and taking that extra second to look for cyclists, drivers can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safe on our roads.”
