Motorists and cyclists urged to look out for each other on Peterborough roads

Road users are being urged to keep an eye out for each other after it was revealed 89 cyclists were injured on Peterborough streets last year.
Tour of Cambridgeshire cycle road race from the East of England Showground EMN-170406-173257009Tour of Cambridgeshire cycle road race from the East of England Showground EMN-170406-173257009
Tour of Cambridgeshire cycle road race from the East of England Showground EMN-170406-173257009

There were a total of 13 cyclists suffering ‘serious’ injuries and 76 suffering ‘slight’ injuries in 2016 in the city according to Cambridgeshire police figures. The injuries make up 11 per cent of all suffered on Peterborough roads in 2016.

Across the county, although no body was killed while cycling (compared to three in 2015), 77 were seriously injured and 379 injured, accounting for 15 per cent of all collision injuries.

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Casualty reduction officer PC Jon Morris said: “Any collision which results in injury is one too many. Drivers and cyclists have equal responsibility on our roads to drive and ride safely.

“There are simple steps we can all follow to ensure we stay safe, visible and alert on the road.”

Now police have issued advice to motorists and cyclists to ensure all road users stay safe across the county.

For motorists:

-Look out for cyclists, especially when turning – make eye contact if possible so they know you’ve seen them.

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-Use your indicators – signal your intentions so that cyclists can react.

-Give cyclists space when over taking them, leaving as much room as you would give a car. If there isn’t sufficient room to pass, hold back. Remember that cyclists may need to manoeuvre suddenly if the road is poor, it’s windy or if a car door is opened.

-Always check for cyclists when you open your car door.

-Advanced stop lines allow cyclists to get in front and increase their visibility. You must stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red to allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.

-Follow the Highway Code.

For cyclists:

-Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb – look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you.

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-Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen.

-Always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor.

-Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and accessories in the dark increases your visibility.

-Follow the Highway Code

-Think! Recommends wearing a correctly fitted cycle helmet, which is securely fastened and conforms to current regulations.