West Midlands named among UK's 'most dangerous areas for cycling'

The West Midlands is the UK's second most dangerous region for cycling, according to new research. Injury claims specialists Simpson Millar found that the region had one of the highest accident rates in the country - with thousands of cyclists injured on the road over the past decade.

Analysing 10 years of Department for Transport (DfT) data, the group found that there were 380 incidents per 100,000 people in the region - an accident rate twice as high as other areas of the country. In Birmingham alone, 2,528 people were injured when out on their bikes in the 10 year period, the study revealed.

The authors of the study said cyclists in cities like Birmingham often find themselves 'navigating congested roads alongside buses, lorries, and large delivery vehicles, further increasing the risk of accidents.' Local campaigners have previously criticised the council for moving at a 'glacial pace' in delivering new active travel schemes.

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While the West Midlands contends with a high cycling accident rate, other areas have recorded significantly fewer incidents. Scotland reported just 126 accidents per 100,000 people over the past decade, and Wales recorded 138 per 100,000.

Simpson Millar investigated the contributing causes of each incident. The data revealed the most common reason for cycling accidents was poor road conditions such as unclear markings or slippery surfaces. Driver actions, increase vehicle sizes and cyclist manoeuvres were also major contributing factors.

A spokesperson for Simpson Millar said: "Investment in cycling infrastructure, improved road maintenance, and policies that prioritise cyclist safety are critical. The growing cycling culture deserves better protection, and with strategic planning, the region can begin to reduce accident rates and offer cyclists a safer ride."

Earlier this year, Birmingham City Council was criticised for not delivering active travel schemes quickly enough. The Active Travel Overview and Scrutiny Report found the council was moving too slowly to deliver new initiatives, such as new protected cycle lanes.

The report also urged the council to better communicate with the public around the progress of these schemes, and put forward a number of recommendations to help ‘speed up' the process.

A spokesperson for campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham said at the time: "The report formalises what we have known for some time: our streets are unsafe, resources are constrained, delivery is slow, and communication must improve."