Recently issued figures from the Department of Transport (DfT) show that there was a slight reduction in the number of road casualties for the third quarter of 2011.
Between July and September the number of people killed on the roads fell to 500, representing a two per cent reduction on the previous year. Road casualties, consisting of slight injuries, serious injuries and fatalities, also fell by five per cent down to 55,105.
The news was welcomed by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), but concern has been raised that, while there is an overall downturn in the figures, the number of cyclists killed on the roads has actually risen.
"It is extremely concerning that cyclists' casualties are not reducing and this is something the government and local councils must act on," said Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research. "This will mean changes to road layouts, more cycle training and promoting better awareness among drivers."
Figures show 5,470 cyclist casualties on the roads in 2011 up slightly from the 5,466 in 2010. However, the long-term figures show that there has been a 17.5 per cent increase in cyclist causalities between 2007 and 2011.
Paul Healy - 2 Feb 2012