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Cycle injury law firm Prolegal has strongly criticised the Government’s funding announcement for cycling, saying it neglects to tackle the crucial issue of cyclist safety.
Transport Minister Norman Baker announced on Wednesday that £62m will be invested in cycling infrastructure. Cities will be able to bid for a £30m fund to improve cycle safety and the remaining £32m towards road junctions, cycle parking at railway stations and funding cycle routes in national parks.
Ben Posford, who specialises in serious injuries to cyclists at specialist cycle injury law firm Prolegal said: “[The] funding announcement doesn’t address the biggest issue of all, safety. The Government shouldn’t be encouraging more cyclists without ensuring the proper safety infrastructure is in place, like segregated cycling lanes.
“There were close to as many fatalities on Britain’s roads last year, as there were murders in London – 122 cyclist fatalities (106 involving a motor vehicle) compared to 125 murder victims.
“This shocking comparison highlights the extreme danger faced by cyclists on our roads and the urgent need to invest in infrastructure which properly protects them.
“Today’s funding will be spread too thinly and won’t fund the segregated cycle lanes we need. Paint is no protection for cyclists.”
