Twice in the past 8 months I have been hit by a car whilst cycling. Both times I ended up on the road with various injuries. In the most recent case a few days ago, I ended up in the back of an ambulance.
In both cases, the car driver claimed that they didn’t see me, despite in both cases it being during the day in bright, clear conditions.
The first time I was cycling down London Road and someone pulled out from a side road (Marlborough Street) a couple of car lengths in front of me, giving me no chance to avoid them. I hit the side of their car, buckling my front wheel and ended up on the road. The driver asked if I was okay and then drove off. After reporting the incident to the Police, I was glad to see that the driver went on a driver awareness course.
The second time, earlier this week, I was turning right from Spetchley Road into Nunnery Lane. A car driver on Nunnery Lane turned right straight into the side of my bike. I ended up on the bonnet and then on the road. I hit my elbows and head on the road. It was good I was wearing a helmet. It is a few days later now and I am unable to cycle as my elbow is swollen and painful.
I want Worcester to be a cycle-friendly city and for more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling. It is difficult to persuade people to choose the bike when an experienced cyclist like me finds the roads in Worcester so dangerous. Whenever people hear about how dangerous it can be to cycle in Worcester, I know there will be some who will be put off from cycling.
Conservative-run Worcestershire County Council always talks about supporting all forms of transport “at the expense of none.” What this means in practice is that there will be little change from the status quo. In other words, the car is still king in Worcestershire. We need investment in cycle infrastructure to allow people who want to cycle to be able to safely make their way around the county. We are nowhere near this at the moment. We need a drastic change to our approach to active travel and cycling in particular. Otherwise, we will never achieve the shift away from driving as the default, with congestion and pollution just getting worse.
We need to make cycling in the county a safe, viable alternative to the car. At the moment we are a long way from this.
Sorry to hear of your misfortunes and subsequently injuries, and wish you a speedy recovery.
Unfortunately the standards of driving around the county, and beyond make every form of transport safe. Red lights seem to be optional, even for city buses. Pedestrian crossings a hazard, and far too many drivers unaware of the size of their car making it a danger for cyclists and other drivers alike especially during overtaking moments.
Far too many obviously on phones.
E-scooters and e-bikes, many of which are illegal on public land, wizzing in-between cars and jumping on and off the pavement.
Double yellows also seem to be optional, especially for delivery drivers.
Unfortunately, everyday seems to be a risk to life activity when using public roads, no matter what form of transport you use.
I’m so glad that you were not even more injured and will continue your passion for making Worcestershire a place where people feel much confident about cycling.
Really sorry to read of the accidents that you have befallen as a cyclist on Worcester, (and relieved that you have escaped life-threatening injuries – the incidents sound horrific.). I absolutely agree with your arguments about the need for county councils like Worcestershire to make far greater effort to ensure the safety of cyclists and that the commitment to ‘active travel’ needs to be far more meaningful particularly with regard to the safety of cyclists (and pedestrians). Shocking that the second driver just drove off following “are you OK?” Remark. Hoping your bruises and discomfort are soon healed – and that your longstanding commitment to real active travel is not dented.