Data published on the Cycling UK website shows that 60% of UK residents consider cycling too dangerous. Well, this is not far from the truth regarding the high accident rates witnessed. In the last decade, the number of cycling casualties averaged 100 every year. Data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that in 2019 alone, there were 16,884 injuries related to cycling.
Causes of Cycling Accidents
Human error has been identified as the leading cause of cycling accidents, with rider/driver errors accounting for 66% of all reported accidents. Accidents involving child r
iders were attributed to bicycle tricks, high speeds, and loss of control. In adults, most accidents involved collisions with vehicles, accidents caused by lack of adherence to road rules by either the cyclists or vehicle drivers.
Cycling Injury Patterns
When it comes to injury patterns, head injuries account for over 75% of serious injuries. These injuries range from minor to major concussions to severe skull fractures and even brain damage. On the other hand, limb injuries are the most common injury patterns in many accidents, while chest and abdomen injuries are rare.