The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by cyclists has reached record levels, with incidents surging by 71% between 2016 and 2025, according to Department for Transport (DfT) statistics. This rise occurred despite the number of cycled miles increasing by only 1% over the same period.
Rise in pavement and crossing collisions
Some 70 pedestrians were hit on "pedestrian crossing facilities" by either bikes or e-bikes, including zebra, pelican and toucan crossings, and controversial floating bus stops where walkers must cross a cycle lane. A further 61 pedestrians were injured "on a footway or verge", suggesting cyclists were riding on the pavement.
In total last year, police logged 234 instances of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured by bikes or e-bikes across England, Scotland and Wales, compared to 137 before the pandemic. The data covers both bikes and e-bikes, but coincides with a surge in e-bike usage, which are generally faster and heavier.
Calls for mandatory training
Christine White, whose father, Jim Blackwood, 91, was hit and killed by an e-cyclist riding on the pavement, wants mandatory training courses for cyclists. She told The Telegraph: "I’m horrified by the ignorant behaviour of the large number of cyclists who have complete and total disregard for anyone but themselves – be they on pavements or the road. I believe all cyclists should have to undertake training and pass a proficiency test similar to motorists. There should also be some way of identifying them."
In February 2025, Henry Morgan, 61, hit a pedestrian when overtaking a bus. The man later died. Prosecutor Robert Simpson told the court Morgan's e-bike had been modified to reach speeds of up to 27mph - almost twice the legal speed limit - effectively turning it into a motorcycle. Videos are also frequently shared online of both manual and electric bikes speeding through red lights and failing to stop at pedestrian crossings.
Campaigners demand protections
On the back of the data, some road safety campaigners want Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to enforce protections for pedestrians. Gerard Griffiths, whose mother, Hilda, 82, died after being involved in a collision with a speeding cyclist in Regent’s Park, believes cyclists need to be educated about road rules. "Seeing serious injuries increase is concerning but comes as no surprise to anyone who has come across the all too frequent scenario of a cyclist who believes they have the right of way at red lights and zebra crossings, and ball through at speed and with little care for the pedestrian who’s got to jump out of their way."
The road safety data classifies a serious injury as a lengthy hospital stay to treat broken or crushed bones, internal injuries, severe cuts and concussion. Two people were killed by cyclists, but the data does not include those who died more than 30 days after the collision. The true number of casualties is likely to be far higher because the data only includes incidents where police attended.
