Police Warn Road Users Following Spate of Cycle Accidents

Published on: 30 Jul, 2012
Updated on: 1 Aug, 2012

Surrey Police has issued a safety warning to cyclists and motorists this week following an increase in the number of collisions in the county.

The warm weather, the Tour de France and the upcoming Olympic Road Cycling events taking place in Surrey have inspired people to get on their bikes, and the increase in the number of cyclists on the road has led to a rise in the number of collisions being reported.

The most recent collision between a car and a cyclist took place yesterday afternoon (July 26), along Guildford Road in Westcott. A 50-year-old man was taken to Kings College Hospital in London with what are believed to be serious injuries following the incident around 12-05pm.

Officers are also continuing to investigate an incident in which a cyclist suffered serious head injuries after coming off his bicycle in West End yesterday morning (July 26). The 34-year-old man was cycling along the A322 Guildford Road when he sustained the injuries and has been taken to Frimley Park Hospital.

Investigations are also ongoing after a collision between a black Audi A3 and a cyclist on the A23 in Salfords (south of Redhill) on Tuesday (July 24). The cyclist was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting with serious head injuries following the collision, which took place around 8-20am on the A23 at the Lodge Lane junction on the northbound carriageway near the Harvester restaurant.

Police were also called after a cyclist was knocked from his bike in Effingham Road, Copthorne, on Wednesday (July 25). The cyclist was taken to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill with leg injuries following the collision with a white Vauxhall Ampera just after 7am.

Cycle SMART, a joint initiative between Surrey Police and Surrey County Council, aims to encourage cyclists and motorists to be aware of each other and to cycle and drive safely.

Cyclists are encouraged to be aware of each other and follow a few simple road safety tips:

Allow drivers to pass where it is safe to do so;
Don’t stop in large groups on the road;
Be seen, be safe! Ride where others can see you, dress bright and use lights;
Take your time to see other road users around you, especially at junctions.

Surrey Police is also appealing to drivers to pass cyclists at a cautious speed and always allow plenty of room. Motorists are also asked to take extra care when turning left, as they may not be able to see cyclists around them and to look out for cyclists at all times, especially at junctions.

Surrey Police Superintendent Sharon Bush said: “People have been really keen to get out on their bikes thanks to the warmer weather and the excitement generated by the Olympics and the Tour de France. With that increase in number comes an increase in the number of collisions being reported.

“We are asking for a little bit of courtesy from drivers and for them to be mindful of other road users. Likewise, we are appealing to cyclists to be visible, take care at junctions and take responsibility for their own safety. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun and want to encourage both motorists and cyclists to share Surrey’s roads in harmony.”

Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “I’m sure Bradley Wiggins’ historic victory at the Tour de France and the fact the Olympic road races are took place in Surrey are inspiring people to get on their bikes.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors but we all need to take care. I’d urge cyclists and drivers to show some respect for each other so we can all share the roads safely, whether you’re on two wheels or four.”

Surrey County Council is also offering bikability courses for residents of all ages who want to learn about cycling on the road.