Do women have more cycling accidents
October 13, 2009
Posted by:Oliver Jeffcott
This year around 85% of London's HGV-related fatalities have been female. Considering that women make up only 28% of the cyclists, these figures are very high.
Dr Dave Horton from Lancaster University has written a study on the 'fear of cycling'. He states that the high accident rate is because women are nervous cyclists and are more self-conscious than men so may not make themselves visible to HGVs. As a result they will be in more accidents. If this is the case, it is good news that transport charity Sustrans is leading a campaign called 'Bike Belles' to promote women's cycling, including a petition calling for the government to take measures to improve their safety.