Approved earlier today by Transport for London (TfL), the new measures will improve an existing Cycling Superhighway in the capital and create new ones with enhanced safety measures including segregation curbs.
As the popularity of cycling continues to grow in the UK, improved safety measures must to be put in place to ensure that cyclists are protected from collisions that can cause death or serious injury, such as brain injury. With cyclists presently accounting for roughly a quarter of rush hour traffic in central London (1), it is vital that London's transport infrastructure safeguards this group effectively.
Headway believes TfL's plans are an important step forward in protecting cyclists. Brain injuries are unfortunately particularly common amongst this group, and can range from minor concussion to skull fractures and severe brain injuries that can result in lifelong disability. As a result, Headway is a strong advocate of measures that effectively protect cyclists from accidents that may result in brain injury, including better road infrastructure, the wearing of cycle helmets, and awareness campaigns targeting motorists to consider cyclists whilst driving.
The proposals considered by the TFL board, if fully implemented, are expected to result in 110 fewer collisions each year; saving the lives of cyclists and lessening the number of those injured (1).
It is vital that work to develop segregated cycle lanes across London commences immediately and that plans for such lanes are extended across the capital and indeed towns and cities across the UK.
(1) As cited in TfL's 4 February Board Paper, Proposed Cycle Superhighways Schemes, p. 5 and p. 2.
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