The Scotsman

New research reveals the dangers facing cyclists and motorcycli­sts on our roads

- By NEIL LANCEFIELD

People who travel on two wheels are 63 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured (KSI) than car drivers, according to research just released.

Figures show that the KSI rate per mile travelled for cyclists is 46 times higher than car drivers, while the figure for motorcycli­sts is 81 times higher, the road safety charity Brake said.

Its analysis of Department for Transport data for road casualties in Britain last year also showed that on average, a cyclist or motorcycli­st was seriously killed or injured every hour.

Two-thirds of deaths on two wheels occur on rural roads, where the fatal crash risk reached its highest level for more than five years.

Brake director of campaigns Joshua Harris said: “Every hour, a cyclist or motorcycli­st is killed or seriously injured on a British road – each a tragedy that will devastate innumerabl­e lives.

“Raising awareness about the safety of those on two wheels, who face much higher risk of death and serious injury than those in cars, is absolutely vital.

“We support the government’s announceme­nt of a review of the Highway Code to help keep cyclists safe and its stated focus on motorcycli­sts intheforth­comingroad­safety action plan.”

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