Roads minister launches effort to cut cycling deaths

THE ROADS minister, Robert Key, yesterday launched a leaflet published jointly by his department, the Cyclists' Touring Club and the AA, in an effort to reduce the annual death toll on the roads of about 100 cyclists and the injury rate, which is about 20,000.

According to Drive Safe Cycle Safe, motorists 'get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night' and 'may not always see cyclists'. Cyclists, on the other hand, would like motorists to know that they ride at a distance from the kerb to avoid drains and potholes. The leaflet advises motorists to 'think bike', not to cut up cyclists, and to 'expect speed from bikes', while cyclists should not jump red lights or ride on pavements.

Next month, Mr Key will launch a new cycling policy, first announced last autumn, in which the Department of Transport will actively encourage cycling as a way of reducing congestion on the roads. Mr Key is expected to endorse the concept of local authorities setting targets for the percentage of journeys made by cyclists in their areas.