Credit crunch cyclists causing chaos on roads

Financial pressure to ditch cars for bikes could be the cause of the big rise in cycling accidents, it was revealed today.

There has been a 29% increase in road accidents involving cyclists in the last six months, according to figures from insurance company LV=.

It said that the switch from four wheels to two had led to many inexperienced cyclists taking to the road and a lack of formal cycling training may have contributed to the accident tally.

A survey by the company showed 52% of cyclists had never read the Highway Code's advice for cyclists and only 42% had taken a cycling proficiency course.

Also, 42% fail to wear a safety helmet, 41% cycle on the pavement, a third have cycled the wrong way up a one-way street and 6% have cycled under the influence of drink or drugs, with the same number using mobile phones while on the road.

LV= Car Insurance spokeswoman Emma Holyer said: "Cycling is a cheap and enjoyable way to get from A to B and great exercise at the same time but it's essential that cyclists are fully equipped to deal with the busy British roads to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.

"If cycling training was compulsory, and cyclists were better equipped to follow the rules of the roads we believe motorists, pedestrians and cyclists themselves would all benefit from fewer accidents and a safer environment on the road."