Road deaths fall to record low - but more cyclists killed.

The number of people killed annually on the roads in Britain has fallen below 2,000 for the first time since records began in 1926, government statistics show.

Although deaths and injuries fell significantly for motorists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, the number of cyclists killed rose for a third consecutive year. Deaths rose by 7% from 104 in 2009 to 111 last year, although the DfT says the number of cyclists rose by just 0.5%. The cycling casualty rate is, however, well down on the average annual death rate of 186 during 1994 to 1998.

The national cycling campaign group Cyclists Touring Club said that while the risk of being killed on a bike had more than halved since 1990, more needed to be done.

In March, MP for South Northamptonshire Andrea Leadsom used a 10 Minute Rule Bill to raise the possibility of legislation that could bring about new offences of causing death or serious injury by dangerous or  reckless cycling.  Her stated aim is to update the law and to make sure that all road users are equally protected and take responsibility for their actions.

The MP has indicated that transport ministers have suggested that it may be possible to include provisions to update the law in this area in legislation due to be brought in next year. 

More on the Department for Transport's report on road casualties here.....

Article and comments from The Guardian here ....

Andrea Leadsom MP's blog  here......