Cycling strategy - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Blackburn with Darwen Cycling Strategy
Again there is very little percentage split between the users
except perhaps that the percentage of goods vehicles is
higher within the base year than between 2000 – 04. It is
possible that the reporting procedure regarding vehicle type
has improved over the last few years.
In terms of accidents within the urban core of Blackburn
town centre between 1994-98 & 2000-04 cycling casualties
have been reduced by over a 1/3 (35%).
The casualty fi gures are able to show that between the
1994-98 and 2000–04 period the number of cycling
casualties has reduced from 178 to 147 representing a
reduction of 17% and that the number of KSI has reduced
from 54 to 18 representing a reduction of 66%.
All cycle casualties by age (2000-04)
Splitting the age groups up into equal age ranges
gives a better profi le as to which group is most at risk.
Unsurprisingly, children are most at risk hence the
justifi cation to offer cycle training to all year six pupils.
However, with even younger children having similar casualty
rates the case for expanding this service to cover earlier
years is very strong.
It is noticeable that cycle casualties increase again from
the age of 30. It is probable that this blip is as a result of
ill equipped/less confi dent individuals attracted back to the
cycle to address personal fi tness issues and the following
table from the Offi ce for National Statistics in 2001 is able
to demonstrate that the main reasons cited for cutting short
car journeys is the need for additional exercise.
It is noticeable that cycle casualties drop off in post 16
children/young adults and this could correspond with the
belief that cycling becomes very unpopular in this age
range as the allure of the private car takes hold. However,
a reduction in the appeal of cycling and desire for a motor
vehicle often leads to an increase in young drivers being
involved in car crashes.
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