Collisions with cyclists double during lockdown

03 June 2020

Collisions with cyclists have doubled in recent weeks according to Co-op Insurance
The Insurer has seen a 50% increase in claims involving cyclists in the last 10 weeks
With sales of bicycles increasing, Co-op is urging all road users to keep safe and alert

men-riding-bicycles-traveling-on-road-near-red-and-gray-1144268

The number of road collisions involving cyclists has doubled since lockdown began, according to new insight from Co-op Insurance.

The insurer is anticipating that following the Government’s announcement of a £2 billion package to create emergency bike lanes and streets to support the transport network, sales of bicycles will continue to increase and could lead to novice riders venturing onto busy roads.

As part of its commitment to help keep communities safe, the insurer in partnership with road safety charity, Brake is therefore urging both motorists and cyclists to take extra care when on the roads.

Co-op Insurance’s top 5 safety tips for motorists: 1. Give cyclists plenty of space 2. When turning and emerging from junctions look out for cyclists 3. Use indicators in good time 4. Give cyclists room and a head start at traffic lights 5. Do the ‘Dutch reach’ to help you check for cyclists before opening car doors

Co-op Insurance’s top 5 safety tips for cyclists: 1. Always wear a helmet 2. Obey traffic lights and signs and signal clearly using arm gestures 3. Make sure your road position is not too close to the kerb 4. Be aware of slippery surfaces when wet 5. Try to make eye contact with other road users, particularly at junctions, side roads and on roundabouts

Nick Ansley, Head of Motor Insurance at Co-op said: “It’s clear that lockdown is prompting many people to start new hobbies and forms of exercise including cycling and whilst this is great to see, it’s unfortunately leading to an increase in collisions.

“We’re therefore urging motorists to give plenty of space to cyclists and be mindful of all other road users when driving. We’re also reminding cyclists to remain safe and alert by following road safety guidelines when using the roads to help improve the wellbeing of communities.”

Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns at Brake said: “These new figures from Co-op Insurance, indicating a huge increase in claims for collisions with cyclists, are very concerning. We implore all drivers to always keep well within speed limits and to be extra vigilant as people use local roads for their daily exercise.

“It’s vital that drivers are aware of the risk they pose to other, more vulnerable, road users and to make sure they slow down, only overtake when absolutely safe to do so and always leave plenty of room.

"Every crash impacts lives and increases the burden on our stretched emergency services and NHS.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors Claims for collision based on Co-op Insurance data from 20 March 2020 to 28 May 2020.

About Co-op Insurance: Co-op Insurance is part of the Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance, legal services and health.

It has a clear purpose of championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,600 food stores, over 1,000 funeral homes and it provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. It has more than 63,000 colleagues and an annual revenue of over £10 billion.

About Brake Brake is a national road safety and sustainable transport charity, founded in 1995, that exists to stop the needless deaths and serious injuries that happen on roads every day, make streets and communities safer for everyone, and care for families bereaved and injured in road crashes. Brake promotes road safety awareness, safe and sustainable road use, and effective road safety policies.

We do this through national campaigns, community education, services for road safety professionals and employers, and by coordinating the UK's flagship road safety event every November, Road Safety Week. Brake is a national, government-funded provider of support to families and individuals devastated by road death and serious injury, including through a helpline and support packs.