Safety in numbers
Road accidents reduced when cyclists come out in force

Published:
“A community that doubles its cycling numbers can expect a drop of a third in the per-cyclist frequency of a crash with a motor vehicle,” says research from the
The study shows that motorists seem to take greater account of cyclists when bike users are a more common sight on the roads. The researchers say this effect is independent of bike-friendly improvements such as lower vehicle speed limits or more bike paths.
The review of safety studies from
One of the researchers stressed that transport authorities should also highlight the positive aspects of cycling rather than dwell on the dangers which deter potential cyclists. For example the authorities could promote how, statistically speaking, cycling extends life expectancy and increases fitness.