New data from Nextbase has revealed the true extent of cycling chaos on UK roads. The study found that 54% of e-bike users across 31,700 interactions at 78 junctions failed to stop at red lights, up 45% on last year. Writing in an opinion piece, Cars Reporter Luke Chillingsworth brands the findings "unacceptable".
London is the epicentre of the issue, with the four most dangerous junctions for bicycle and e-scooter red-light jumping in the country located in the capital. It may be easy to push the issue into London Mayor Sadiq Khan's lap, but it isn't quite as simple as that, with Glasgow and Andy Burnham's Manchester also affected. It really is a national issue.
Road deaths and the hierarchy of road users
Over 100 cyclists are killed on UK roads every year, accounting for up to 6% of road deaths. Cyclists have always been a safety issue for drivers, even more so because of the hierarchy of road users rules that state motorists bear greater responsibility to avoid an incident. The nature of the rule means drivers will take greater accountability in an accident.
Electric bikes are worse because of the speeds involved. A traditional cyclist will usually travel around 10mph, while an electric bike can hit up to 20mph, massively reducing the reaction time needed to dodge a clash.
Two possible solutions
Burnham has been in Downing Street for only a week and already faces this motoring crisis on his in-tray. The only way to solve the issue is to take a hands-on approach, with two seemingly possible options.
One of these would be to mandate the use of dash cams in new cars. This vital tool can absolve road users in legal or insurance disputes, providing a clearer image of the accident from the get-go. If a cyclist has driven across a red light, it likely won't be the driver getting in trouble.
Next would be introducing a new rule forcing cyclists to be fitted with registration plates and a licence, with individuals picking up points for dangerous behaviour. If cyclists were at risk of being banned from the saddle for jumping red lights and diving into junctions, it would surely calm everyone down.
Conclusion
"Mr Burnham, it's time to take action," the opinion piece concludes.
