In light of the above, Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, of British Cycling has stated that: “cycling has played a vital role in helping people to boost their physical and mental wellbeing, in what has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us.”
Police issue warning over speeding on quiet roads in Nottinghamshire during lockdown
It is still concerning that since the first lockdown, Police are still reporting a significant increase in the number of drivers who are using the quieter roads during the UK wide lockdown as an opportunity to speed.
During the first lockdown a RAC Poll discovered that 44% of Respondents claims they had seen more motorists speeding now than before March 23 2020 when non-essential journeys were banned, despite the fact that road traffic was around two thirds lower than normal.
Consequently, Nottinghamshire Police has warned motorists not to take advantage of the empty roads and put extra strain on the emergency services during the coivd-19 pandemic.
As a cyclist this is especially concerning.
Traffic on what would normally be some of the Nottingham city’s busiest roads was noticeably quieter on the first day of the new lockdown restrictions.
Cyclists have been using the quieter roads as an opportunity to cycle as part of their daily exercise, but the excessive speed from some motorists is causing alarm.
In the darker and colder days ahead staying active will prove to be an even greater challenge than in Spring. Every year the arrival of the darker and colder nights means there is an increase of accidents on our roads. Thus, it is now critical that cyclists should be more wary of the risk of injury during the current pandemic. Particularly during the winter months. As with any activity you are under a duty to take care and be mindful of your surroundings; quieter roads can lull innocent road users into a false sense of security.
Compared with other road users, cyclists are the most vulnerable. Not only are they more exposed on the road, but the safety of even the most experienced of cyclists is dependent upon the skills and awareness of other drivers.
Cycling Injury Solicitors Nottingham
Unfortunately, serious injuries do occur to cyclists, pedestrians, and other innocent road users. Five people die every day on the roads in Great Britain and many more are seriously injured. These statistics have remained broadly constant for several years. As a team here at Rothera Bray we regularly deal with clients who have suffered life changing injuries following accidents caused by drivers treating the roads as a speed track.
Our specialist team work hard to ensure cyclists receive urgent rehabilitation, care and compensation so they can rebuild their life and hopefully get back on their bike as quickly as possible.
We hope the current lockdown is used as an opportunity for city planners to make cycling safer, improving city layouts and cycle routes so that the undoubted health benefits can be realised when we all return to commuting in a very different post Covid-19 world.
Ways to keep safe whilst cycling during lockdown number two:
- Always wear a helmet
- Make sure you do not cycle too close to the curb, at least an arm’s length away, to make sure you are easily visible to traffic
- Always keep an eye on what is around you so you can prepare for junctions, traffic lights, drain covers, potholes, pedestrians, dogs etc.
- Be predictable and make your intentions clear – check behind you, signal and only maneuver when it is safe to do so
- Try to make eye contact with other road users, particularly at junctions, side roads and on roundabouts
- Watch out for car doors
- Stay visible when cycling in the dark
- Keep your hands on the brakes and be aware of stopping distances
- Consider cycling training
Cycling Accident & Injury Team Nottingham
For advice on Cycling Accidents, our experienced team act on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we can assist with claims of varying severity, from minor to serious catastrophic injuries. We’re ready to support you through and ensure you get you get the compensation you deserve, contact our Personal Injury team on enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk or call 03456 465 465.
We are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and we are accredited with the Law Society’s Personal Injury scheme.
