UK roads too dangerous for children on bikes, survey finds

The majority of parents fear that roads are not safe enough to allow their children to cycle, says a survey conducted by Manchester- based law firm Graham Coffey & Co Solicitors. The survey found that 53% of British children can only cycle a mile from their house.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents with children aged 6-10 only let their children cycle under a mile from their house (31%) or on their road (32%). In the same age bracket, 6% are allowed within five miles, and 5% are allowed to cycle anywhere.

Parents were asked to highlight the areas in need of focus to improve child road safety. The majority (55%) said less traffic, followed by 54% who said more cycle lanes.

Over one-third (35%) of parents said stricter road laws would make them feel safer about child road safety.

The survey also revealed that over a quarter (27%) of parents said their children can only cycle on their road, and a further quarter(26%) said their children can cycle under a mile from their house.

The results remain the same for parents whose children are aged between 11-15; one-third (32%) of parents only allow their children to cycle under a mile from their house, and 6% are allowed to cycle anywhere.

Stuart Snape, managing partner at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors says: “The Government must tackle the growing viewpoint that children are not safe on the road. Over time, a better legal response to dangerous road users will lead to an increase in vehicle types that are currently considered vulnerable.

“Better communication of road laws and their importance allows children to become more confident and more aware of safe road practices. In turn, this will result in safer roads for generations to come.”