The Kent roads where more cyclists suffer accidents than anywhere else

Sally Smith (left) and Matt Nunn in Iwade at the clubs team time trial in the summer.
-Credit: (Image: Sally Smith)


Cyclists in Medway have voiced their concerns after the area recorded the most cycling accidents in Kent, according to official figures. A Freedom of Information request to Kent Police filed by eye surgery company OCL Vision revealed the high street, which runs between Rochester and Chatham, is the county’s most dangerous road for cycling crashes.

There were two serious and five slight accidents involving a cyclist on the stretch of High Street connecting to Medway Street. In total, Medway was the area of Kent with the most accidents, recording 47 in the past year.

Spokesperson for Medway Velo Club Sally Smith told KentLive: “Over the last decade there has been a notable decline in driving standards and increase in aggression towards cyclists. More cars on the roads, result in more delays and frustration for those trying to get from A to B. Unfortunately, cyclists often bear the brunt of that anger.

READ MORE:M25 traffic updates as motorbike crash closes motorway in both directions near Sevenoaks

READ MORE:Man, 29, dies after serious crash on A2 near Rochester

“Medway does benefit from limited infrastructure for cyclists, but it is not fit for purpose with lanes ending abruptly or covered in glass and debris. Cyclists choosing not to use them will often be targeted with aggression.

Sally Smith after getting hit by a car while cycling a few years ago
Sally Smith after getting hit by a car while cycling a few years ago -Credit:Sally Smith

“Culturally, it seems that threatening the life of a cyclist is socially acceptable, with angry misguided posts on social media celebrated amongst some drivers. It is often overlooked that cyclists are a life, someone’s mother or father, son or daughter and behind what they see as an inconvenience is an anxious loved one, who breathes a sigh of relief every time their loved one makes it home from that cycle in one piece.”

This was followed by 42 in Canterbury, 27 in Thanet, 24 in Ashford and a further 24 in Tonbridge & Malling. Gravesham was found to be the safest part of Kent for cyclists with 11 accidents, nine of which were labelled ‘slight’.

The high street in Tonbridge was the second most lethal road in the county, followed by the adjacent Shipbourne Road. In total there were nine accidents on these two roads, representing 37.5 per cent of the total in Tonbridge, two of which were considered serious.

Meanwhile, Scot’s Lane in Ashford was found to be the area to two accidents considered ‘very serious’ and ‘fatal’ - the highest in the whole county. The steep road of Nunnery Fields in Canterbury was the area of the city with the most serious accidents last year, with inclines being of particular danger to cyclists.

Overall, there were 304 accidents involving cyclists in Kent in the past year. A total of 237 were considered ‘slight’ by Kent Police in the past year, 62 were labelled as serious and five were fatal.

Sally added: “We would ask that people see the life behind the lycra and show a bit of empathy and kindness towards someone who is just enjoying their fitness routine or trying to get from A to B. We all need to share the limited space we have and the loss of life on the road is a tragic waste, please be part of changing the narrative to create safer roads where people look out for one another.”

'Kent drivers are the worst'

Another member of Medway Velo Club, who did not wish to be named, said: “Cycling in Medway full stop is dangerous. The aggressive nature displayed by many motorists is very noticeable compared to other areas I ride within Kent. You know when you’re back in Medway.

“I’m very fortunate that I get to ride in many areas around the country but Kent drivers are by far the worst! Close passes are unfortunately an every ride occurrence down here.”

Another said: “Maybe we’ve all got so used to it over the years. But everyone sure comments after leaving the area for some hours, ‘you know when you’re back.’”

Get Kent's latest breaking news and top stories on WhatsApp

The eye surgery company OCL Vision investigated parts of Kent where cyclists with poor vision are most at risk of endangering themselves and others. Masara Laginaf, consultant ophthalmic surgeon OCL Vision , is advising cyclists how to ensure your eye health is keeping you safe on the roads: “Cyclists who wear glasses are at risk of seeing them fog up or get wet when it rains.

“This visual disturbance could put you at increased risk on the road. A similar issue with contact lenses is the risk of getting something in your eye that causes irritation and leads to you losing a contact lens while you’re on the move.

“The only way to remove this hazard permanently is to consider a surgical solution to correct your vision. Laser eye surgery, implantable contact lenses (ICL) or refractive lens exchange (RLE) can eliminate these problems and potentially enhance safety by avoiding any limitation of field of vision from spectacle arms, fogging up of spectacle lenses or loss of contact lenses.”

Get more news from KentLive straight to your inbox for free HERE.