About one quarter of the cyclists killed and about one third of those injured are children. Cycling accidents increase as children grow older and peak at around 16 years. 

Most cycling accidents happen in urban areas. Nearly three quarters happen at or near a road junction, with T-junctions being the most commonly involved. Roundabouts are also particularly dangerous junctions.

Males are more likely to be involved in cycling accidents than females, four out of five cyclist casualties are male.

Around 80% of cycling accidents occur in daylight. For child cyclists, 90% of their accidents occur during the day. The most dangerous hours for cyclists are 3.00 to 6.00 p.m. and 8.00 to 9.00 a.m. on weekdays.

More cycle accidents occur during the Spring and Summer months (May to September) than the Autumn and Winter months (October to April). However, the casualty rate in terms of miles travelled is higher over the Autumn and Winter period.

Limb Injuries

• Over half of cyclist casualties suffer arm injuries and around 40% receive leg injuries. Serious leg injuries often require long stays in hospital

Chest/Abdomen Injuries

• Chest and abdomen injuries occur much less frequently (5%), but are often serious. When they do occur they are often accompanied by head injuries

Head Injuries

• Head injuries, ranging from fatal skull fractures and brain damage to minor concussion and cuts, are very common injuries to cyclists. Around 70% of the cyclists killed on the road have major head injuries and over half of cyclists injured have head injuries

A wide variety of measures can help to reduce the risk to cyclists:

• Cycle route networks
• Traffic calming schemes
• Improved driver awareness and training
• Cyclist training
• Conspicuity for cyclists
• Cycle helmets