Road casualty figures suggest that improvements in cycling safety have flatlined

Figures released by the Department for Transport yesterday (26 September) show that for the past decade, road casualties have only slightly decreased. With cycle and pedestrian fatalities flatlining, we believe that progress on road safety has been too slow as we continue to lose too many lives to inaction each year.  

• In 2023, the number of cyclist fatalities was 87. 
• The total reported number of cyclists killed and injured on British roads in 2023 was 14,999 down 4% from 2022. 
• The change in cycle fatalities over the past decade is a 20% decline. 

We've responded to the latest road casualty statistics published by the Department for Transport. Figures reveal that for the past decade, road fatalities have seen very little movement due to inaction on joining up safety measures.

In 2022, the DfT recorded the lowest number of fatalities, resulting from less traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic. We had hoped that this moment would kick-start greater government action and investment across all four nations to make our roads safer for people who cycle or walk. However, 2023 statistics have revealed that due to inaction, a lack of planning and inadequate funding, progress has flatlined.

Improving safety on our roads

Changes to the highway code, the adoption of 20mph limits and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN's) have all been steps in the right direction to improve safety on our roads. When people feel safer on the roads, they are more likely to cycle or walk, leading to healthier, happier and greener communities. But more needs to be done to connect these safety measures together as part of national road safety strategy.  

The statistics also reveal that over the period 2019 to 2023, an average of 58% of pedal cycle fatalities occurred on rural roads compared to 31% in traffic. With London showing a more significant reduction in road casualties than elsewhere, it’s clear where there is commitment and investment, lives can be saved.

Better-connected cycling infrastructure

We believe that if we want to see greater movement on road safety, we need a better, joined-up approach on cycling infrastructure to create safer cycle networks that connect villages, towns and cities. We also need to bring together successful safety measures, such as LTN’s, as part a national road safety strategy.

Our chief executive, Sarah Mitchell, said:

"As we reflect on these figures, it's clear that while we have seen some progress, we continue to lose far too many lives on our roads to inaction. Cycling has vast potential to improve people’s health and wellbeing, tackle the climate crisis and bring joy and connection to communities across the UK. But that potential is being held back in the absence of a comprehensive strategy on road safety and infrastructure.  

“If we want to see all these benefits come to life, we must prioritise the development of better-connected cycling infrastructure and build on how we educate road users on road safety for everyone. With the right strategy and political will, we can save lives and create a future where cycling and walking are not just safe options, but the preferred option."