Cycling Advocacy: How You Can Help Improve Road Safety
Cycling advocacy is more than just a push for better bike lanes or safer streets—it’s a movement aimed at transforming the way we share roads and ensuring the safety of everyone, from cyclists to pedestrians and motorists. In the UK, where cycling is rapidly growing as a mode of transport and recreation, road safety has become a pressing issue. With cycling accidents on the rise, cycling advocates play a pivotal role in promoting safer infrastructure, influencing policy change, and creating awareness. We've written this blog to help avoid fatal bicycle accidents and bicycle accident victims
If you’re passionate about cycling and want to help make UK roads safer for all, this guide will show you how you can contribute to local and national cycling advocacy efforts and why your involvement matters. Whether new to cycling or an experienced cyclist, you can make a difference in several ways.
The State of Cycling and Road Safety in the UK
Cycling in the UK has experienced a notable surge, particularly during the pandemic, as people seek alternative, eco-friendly modes of transport. However, with the increase in cyclists on the roads, there has been a corresponding rise in cycling accidents. According to the Department for Transport, over 16,000 pedal cycle accidents were reported in 2022, with more than 100 fatalities.
The increase in cycling-related injuries from bike crashes is mainly due to poor infrastructure, where motor vehicle collisions and bike accidents occur frequently. A lack of bike lanes and dangerous junctions continue to put cyclists at risk. Cyclist fatalities have been on the rise. It's not just cyclists who are vulnerable—pedestrian accidents also increase when roads are not designed to accommodate everyone safely.
While the UK government has introduced initiatives such as Active Travel England and the "Gear Change" policy to improve cycling infrastructure, challenges remain. There are still gaps in safe cycling routes, limited segregated lanes, and dangerous junctions that contribute to bicycle accidents and collisions. Cycling advocacy addresses these gaps by working with local authorities, national organizations, and the cycling community to push for safer streets and better policies.
National Cycling Advocacy Organizations
Several national organizations in the UK are dedicated to improving road safety for cyclists and preventing bike accidents. Getting involved with these organisations can significantly contribute to the cause on a larger scale. Here are a few key players:
Cycling UK
One of the most prominent advocacy groups, Cycling UK campaigns for safer roads, better cycling infrastructure, and policy changes to protect cyclists. They run national campaigns, such as “Too Close for Comfort,” which raises awareness about the dangers of close-passing vehicles, a frequent cause of bicycle crashes and injuries.
Sustrans
Best known for their work on the National Cycle Network, Sustrans focuses on building cycling and walking infrastructure across the UK. They advocate for bicycle safety and partner with governments and communities to create safer spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
British Cycling
As the national governing body for cycling, British Cycling promotes competitive cycling and runs campaigns to encourage everyday cycling. Their advocacy efforts focus on improving cycling infrastructure and influencing policy to make roads safer for all users and reduce cycling-related injuries.
These organisations provide multiple ways for individuals to get involved, from joining their campaigns to participating in lobbying efforts. They offer resources and platforms that allow everyday cyclists to contribute to long-term changes that can prevent future collisions and bike accidents.
Local Advocacy Efforts
While national campaigns are essential, much of the tangible progress happens locally. Local advocacy groups and grassroots movements have been instrumental in improving road safety in cities and towns across the UK. Here’s how you can get involved in your local area:
London Cycling Campaign
This is one of the most active local advocacy groups, focusing on making London’s roads safer for cyclists. They run campaigns such as “Safer Junctions” to reduce the number of dangerous intersections, a common cause of motor vehicle collisions with cyclists.
Local Cycling Forums
Many councils have cycling forums where cyclists can voice concerns, suggest improvements, and work with local government to implement changes. These forums are a great way to get involved in discussions about cycling infrastructure, preventing bicycle crashes, and advocating for improved bike lanes in your area.
Community Cycling Groups
Grassroots efforts like neighbourhood cycling groups or Critical Mass rides are a fun and effective way to raise awareness about cycling issues in your local area. They often organize events to bring attention to improving cycling conditions and reducing bicycle accidents and injuries.
Local advocacy is a powerful tool for change. By joining forces with other cyclists in your community, you can push for safer roads and hold local authorities accountable for their role in improving cycling infrastructure, reducing collisions and people involved in a cycling accident.
Ways You Can Get Involved
Becoming part of the cycling advocacy movement doesn’t require professional expertise—just a passion for safer roads and the willingness to contribute. Here are some concrete ways you can get involved:
Join Advocacy Groups
Whether it’s a national group like Cycling UK or a local cycling forum, it connects you with like-minded individuals and gives you access to resources, events, and campaigns focused on reducing bike accidents and improving bicycle safety.
Attend Public Consultations
Many cities hold public consultations on transport and infrastructure plans. Attending these consultations allows you to advocate for better cycling infrastructure, ensure that cyclists’ voices are heard, and push for changes to prevent car accidents and injuries.
Participate in Local Campaigns
Campaigns like Sustrans’ “Paths for Everyone” or local initiatives aimed at safer junctions or more bike lanes offer opportunities to volunteer, sign petitions, or spread the word in your community.
Engage with Local Councils
Write to your local councillor or attend council meetings to discuss road safety and cycling infrastructure. Highlight the need for investment in cycling lanes, safer crossings, or bike parking facilities. Advocacy at the local level is essential to ensure traffic laws protect cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Your involvement at any level helps create momentum and pushes policymakers to prioritize cycling safety. No matter how small, each effort contributes to a more significant movement that can transform roads for all users and reduce bicycle accidents.
Advocacy in Action: Policy Change and Infrastructure
Cycling advocacy isn’t just about protests or campaigns; it’s also about influencing policy and infrastructure development. One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by supporting policies prioritizing cycling safety and sustainable transport.
Support Active Travel Funding
The UK government has committed to doubling cycling levels by 2025, with significant investments in active travel. By supporting policies like these and lobbying for their proper implementation, you can help ensure that funds are allocated to projects that make a real difference for cyclists and prevent injuries.
Engage in Policy Debates
Participate in discussions on local and national levels about how cycling infrastructure should be developed. Whether it’s advocating for segregated bike lanes or reducing speed limits in residential areas, every voice matters. Your advocacy in supporting such policies ensures that the infrastructure and road safety measures cyclists need are prioritized, helping to reduce bicycle accidents and make roads safer for everyone.
Supporting Grassroots Movements
Grassroots movements play a critical role in creating real change in cycling safety. Events like Critical Mass, where large groups of cyclists gather to reclaim the streets, bring visibility to the need for better infrastructure and remind policymakers that cycling safety matters.
Participate in Critical Mass Rides
These monthly events occur in cities worldwide, including several in the UK. By joining in, you show solidarity with other cyclists and help raise awareness about road safety issues, which is critical for reducing bicycle crashes.
Start Your Own Advocacy Group
If there isn’t a local cycling advocacy group in your area, consider starting one. Grassroots efforts often begin with a few passionate individuals and grow into impactful movements. Supporting grassroots efforts adds energy to the cycling advocacy movement and puts pressure on local authorities to make changes.
Amplifying Your Voice on Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for advocacy, allowing individuals to raise awareness, share information, and connect with others. You can use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to support cycling safety campaigns and amplify the voices of advocacy groups.
Share Campaigns
By sharing posts from Cycling UK, Sustrans, or local advocacy groups, you can help spread awareness of road safety issues and promote campaigns to make cycling safer and reduce bicycle accidents.
Use Hashtags
Engaging in conversations with hashtags like #SaferCycling or #ActiveTravel can help you connect with other advocates and share your thoughts on road safety.
Social media gives you a platform to reach a wider audience and contribute to advocacy efforts from the comfort of your home.
The Importance of Raising Awareness
Cycling advocacy isn’t just about policy change—it’s about shifting public perception. Changing how drivers view cyclists and how policymakers prioritise cycling infrastructure is critical to long-term safety improvements.
Engaging in advocacy, you help raise awareness about the importance of sharing the road and creating a safer environment for all road users. The long-term benefits include safer streets, healthier communities, and a more sustainable transportation system.
Conclusion
Cycling advocacy is a powerful way to contribute to road safety improvements and ensure that cyclists are given the protection they need on UK roads. Whether you’re joining a national organization, participating in local campaigns, or using social media to raise awareness, every action counts.
If you’re passionate about cycling and want to make a real difference, now is the time to get involved. Together, we can make UK roads safer for cyclists and promote a future where cycling is a viable, secure mode of transport for all.
Are you ready to join the movement? Let us know how you plan to support cycling advocacy and help improve road safety in your community.
What are your thoughts on cycling advocacy? Have you participated in any campaigns or local initiatives to improve road safety? Share your experiences below.