But we are in danger of getting an 'OMG cycling is soooo dangerous response'. Lets put this into perspective.
Every year in the UK more people win the lottery main jackpot than are killed cycling. More in the second prize than are seriouly injured. In fact, there are about the same number of cyclists having an injury requiring attention as those winning over 1000 GBP on the lottery.
Boris bikes: Millions of central london trips. Almost no serious injuries. The rate is below 1 KSI in a million
trips, well into the HSE 'so safe we are not bothered' area.
Cycling on the whole is a safe and beneficial activity.
Yes, on the whole it is. I've been cycling for over 40 years all over the country and elsewhere and have been actively encouraging many others to do so. But I, and many other London cyclists are angry at the
moment for good reason. We are not over reacting. There is a particular problem here which those who
have the power to sort are refusing to do adequately, as far as we are concerned. And talking about the lack of casualties on Boris bikes is really missing the point. Most of us who live in London and ride our bikes to work, to the shops, to school every day, do not use these. And Boris bikers, I would argue, are not your average London cyclist.
We have a Londonwide transport administration which, quite openly, prioritises the needs of motor traffic over the needs of other road users. This isn't really just an issue for cyclists. Transport for London's attitude is born out of the widespread assumption in our modern culture that roads are primarily for cars
and that cars are so necessary a part of our that a certain level of road casualty is acceptable. In fact, it's probably pedestrians that suffer the most in this situation. The latest BikesAlive protest at Kings X is
alongside Roadpeace.
If those of you who think we are saying cycling is dangerous, you are not listening properly. Cycling is safe, enjoyable, the only sensible way for fit, healthy people to get around a city like London. Unfortunately, some of the roads and junctions that we have to use are not. And some of the vehicles we
have to deal with could be made safer. That is where change needs to come.