New data has been released by South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership which shows numbers of both cyclists and pedestrians injured in road traffic collisions in the region are decreasing.
The data shows there is a steady decrease over the years, except for in 2021. The partnership said this was to be expected due to the suppression of traffic caused from the pandemic in 2020.
From then, the number of cyclists involved in road accidents has further decreased by -3.4% and for pedestrians it was -2.6%
The partnership is aiming towards ‘Vision Zero’, an initiative which aims to see the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads reduce by 50% by 2030.
To achieve ‘Vision Zero’ the partnership aims to operate under the Safe System method.
This is a multi-agency approach which prioritises road safety first when undergoing traffic system planning, design, operation, and road usage.
However, although the data is promising, is it enough for cyclists and pedestrians to feel safe?
Andy Dennis, member of local cycling group said: ‘’ It’s a good start to see the numbers begin to go down but I think me and many other cyclists will never feel fully safe on the road.
‘’I have had many near misses where drivers do not consider or respect cyclists on the road so you just have to take your own measures by making sure you, yourself are being safe.’’
The Safe System is made up of five themes: safe roads, safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds and post-collision care. It is to ensure that all future road accidents are prevented as it recognises that ‘traffic collisions occur as a result of system failures in the network’.
The 66 year old cyclist added: ‘’With some drivers’ actions I think as a cyclist you can feel invisible on the road. The numbers dropping is a small win for cyclists and pedestrians as it can really shake you up when you have a close call which is no fault of your own.’’