Charity calls for safer streets for cycling as Tour de France kicks off

Road safety charity Brake has renewed calls for drivers and authorities across the UK to GO 20 as the Tour de France begins, to enable more people to enjoy cycling without fear or threat to their safety.

Brake, alongside a GO 20 campaign coalition, is calling for 20mph limits to become the norm across built-up areas, so people can cycle and walk for their health and enjoyment, and for cheap and sustainable travel, without being or feeling endangered. The campaign also appeals to drivers to GO 20 or below around homes, schools and shops to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Government statistics released yesterday show 118 cyclists were killed and 3,222 seriously injured last year, marking the third year in a row when cyclist deaths and serious injuries have risen. While this is at least partly down to a rise cycling, Brake is calling for action to enable more people to cycle without risking injury.

As world-class cyclists compete for the yellow jersey, Brake is highlighting that slower traffic speeds, alongside more segregated and traffic-free paths, would help more communities to get active - by helping to overcome a major barrier that prevents many adults and children following the example of the Tour de France riders and getting on their bikes.

It's increasingly recognised that town/city/borough-wide 20mph limits are effective in reducing casualties and encouraging more walking and cycling. In April an All Party Parliamentary Group on cycling recommended government work towards 20 limits being the norm in towns, alongside more segregated cycle paths, with the aim of 10% of journeys being by bike by 2025 (currently it's 2%).

Since the GO 20 campaign was launched in November, Westminster and the Welsh Assembly have moved to encourage more 20mph limits, while Transport for London is implementing a raft of safe cycling measures including more 20 limits. More local authorities have announced they are switching to 20mph, including Manchester, Bath and North East Somerset and Sefton in Merseyside.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, says: "As excitement builds around the Tour de France, no doubt it will inspire more people to take to their bikes to commute, exercise, or enjoy the countryside. But it remains that fast traffic and inadequate safe routes have a major impact on people's ability to choose and enjoy cycling. While good progress is being made in some areas, we have a long way to go before the UK's streets and communities are cyclist-friendly. We believe everyone should be able to cycle or walk in their community or to get to work or school without fear or threat. Anyone who drives can help bring this about: pledge to GO 20 around homes, schools and shops, and take great care to look out for cyclists and pedestrians this summer and year-round. We're also renewing our calls for the government, and more authorities, to bring in more safe cycling facilities and work towards 

Read more about the case for GO 20.

Anyone can pledge their support for safer walking and cycling at go20.org.