Cycling in Glasgow is encouraged by The Scottish Government. So much so that it has expressed hopes to achieve a target of making 10 per cent of all journeys in Scotland cycle journeys by 2020 – a massive increase on the one percent figure as at 2015.
Furthermore, it is hoped that the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) will lead to improved health, reduced carbon emissions and more free-flowing traffic.
However, one consequence of increased cycling is increased accidents particularly in busy cities such as Glasgow. For example, in 2013 nine cyclists were killed on Scotland's roads, with a further 167 suffering serious personal injury.
If you have sustained a cycling accident injury in Glasgow and believe that the incident may be attributable to the actions of another road user, call 0800 0891 331 to speak with the personal injury solicitors at Thompsons Scotland today.
Educating and challenging riders in Glasgow
We all know that car and other motor-going drivers present the biggest danger to cyclists on Glasgow's roads; however, given that cyclists have responsibilities to both themselves and other road users it was little surprise that in 2014 Glasgow police said they would stop riders who they found to be a danger to themselves or those around them.
Yet, instead of placing the emphasis on penalty, Police Scotland said that the campaign was about primarily about educating to encourage safety, particularly in the west end and city centre where cycling accidents are most prevalent.
Police said that under the term of the week-long scheme, cyclists without lights would be given lights for free, with the gifts funded by Go Safe Glasgow.
Inspector Craig Linton of the Divisional Road Policing Unit in Glasgow, commented, "To improve safety it is important that cyclists and drivers share the road with respect and tolerance. Whether it is drivers not giving cyclists enough room at junctions or cyclists not properly illuminating their presence on the road – it's important to challenge this behaviour."
Cycling injury accident solicitors
Scottish Government cycling accident statistics reveal that there are a disproportionately high number of city centre accidents, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow. And despite attempts to improve cycling infrastructure 16% of these accidents occur in a cycle lane.
If you have sustained cycling accident injury in Glasgow or elsewhere in the UK, call 0800 0891 331 to speak with Thompsons Solicitors.
