Cyclists on pavements: How dangerous are they?

Before we explain what this map shows, we should make it clear that Greener Leith does not endorse cycling on pavements unless they are designated as 'shared use' paths. We'd also encourage all cyclists to adopt a considerate attitude to anyone around them.

With the disclaimer done, the point of this post is to try to get to the facts about the risks posed by cyclists to pedestrians on pavements in the city, particularly as the Evening News is fond of writing articles like this one, that simply begin: "It's a long-standing gripe about cyclists that some of them seem as at home on the pavement as on the road..," and then proceed to imply that "lycra louts" are a terrible risk to the good citizens of the city by cycling illegally on the pavement.

So lets look at some facts (kindly provided by the City of Edinburgh Council). The map above shows all the accidents that involved cyclists or pedestrians where they were killed or seriously injured in 2010.

Last year, there were precisely zero serious accidents on a pavement that involved a cyclist injuring a pedestrian, so there's none to show on the map.

The green markers indicate an accident where a cyclist was seriously injured or killed by a motor vehicle.

The blue markers indicate an accident where a pedestrian was seriously injured or killed by a motor vehicle.

The yellow markers indicate an accident where a cyclist was seriously injured in an accident with another cyclist. All of these incidents took between cyclists who were both on the road.

Lastly, there was one accident last year where a pedestrian was seriously injured by a cyclist, but the incident happened in a cycle lane on a road. That accident is marked with a red marker.

Now the Evening News is not alone in suggesting that there are risks posed by cyclists to pedestrians on pavements. Certain city councillors have been known to express their "grave reservations" about proposals to formally allow cyclists to use short sections of pavements.

As things stand it's usually illegal for cyclists to use the pavement, and there's also no doubt that, if you're walking somewhere, mindlessly enjoying your iPod, it can be somewhat disturbing to have an inconsiderate cyclist fly past you on the pavement, seemingly out of nowhere.

However, the data suggests that the magnitude of the risk to pedestrians from cyclists using pavements is tiny in comparison to the risks that both pedestrians and cyclists face from motor vehicles.

To add a bit of historical perspective, the graph below, shows all the people killed or injured in Edinburgh, across all transport types over the last three years. It shows that the general trend is downwards, even though more people are cycling and driving than before.

In 2010, there were precisely zero serious accidents between cyclists and pedestrians on any pavement in the city. So, whilst some pavement cyclists are undoubtedly obnoxious and scary to others, the next time you hear someone complaining about lycra louts, or voicing 'grave concerns' about the danger of cyclists on the pavements, show them this blog post. And then ask them whether council proposals to allow cyclists to use some sections of pavement seem so unreasonable.

For the geeks amongst you, the map was made using Google Fusion tables, whilst the graph was made using Google Charts.

Comments

[wingpig]

In Leith, cyclists-on-the-pavement aren't really likely to be Lycra louts as such. They're unlikely to be wearing any cycle-specific clothing. Any loutishness Leith pavement-cyclist has is not likely to be increased by their being on a bicycle on the pavement. They're just using a bicycle on the pavement as they just dinnae gie a f*** that you're no supposed tae. I would usually mutter/speak/shout at pavement-cyclists, often almost involuntarily after a while, but tend not to in the case of neds-on-bikes going along Leith Walk or Easter Road in case I get punched.

[Dave]

The problem with pavement cyclists (other than the danger, and there is one), is that it tarnishes the reputation of cyclists in general. Drivers who don't cycle see bikes weaving in an out of lanes, jumping on kerbs to cut lights etc and immediately assume that the majority of cyclists are a nuisance.

As a driver and a cyclist, it's hard enough to spot cyclists in the city when they are following the rules, let alone when they are jumping out on your from kerbs. The council has spent some good money in the last few years ensuring that there are bike lanes in dangerous routes (remember how bad the one-way section was at Morrison Street before they put that bike lane in?), yes they could do a hell of a lot more, Edinburgh is a terribly bike-unfriendly city (ever tried cycling from Haymarket to Leith at rush hour?), but if cyclists persist in being a menace why should they bother spending money on them.

And if the council are listening and want to understand the issues, get them to spend a day cycling around the city centre, and count the number of near-misses they have (I'll bet you the majority are with taxi drivers who in my opinion are the most dangerous drivers in the city, especially when it comes to bikes).

I could rant some more but my camomile tea has just boiled...

[Downfader]

@Dave - there has to be differentiation between good and bad. Its no good lumping every cyclist in with the same bunch - by our nature we cyclists are damaging our opportunities by allowing ourselves to fall for this mentality.

I'm not saying pavement cycling is acceptable - it clearly damages our right to the road whether endorsed (shared use paths, or Plod turning a blind eye) or not. Enough people see it as wrong and are clearly unable to see the good cyclists.

Every set of data from every city seems to show the same thing. Low fatality and injury rates for the numbers doing it. Perhaps the fact you can end up injured riding like this is a factor? However just as with other antisocial activities (eg loud music) it causes problems for residents. The elderly and disabled struggle and are frightened by it too.

[Maeve]

We already have some areas where cyclists and pedestrians share - the Meadows, for example. Seems to work perfectly well, I see there are no markers on the map for accidents there (only on the main roads around the park). Ditto the main cycle routes that I have used - they all have pedestrians using them too, and are safe for all users. I personally think the option used at the Meadows to simply paint a line down the middle to separate (mostly) the pedestrians from cyclists is all that's needed anywhere.

I do agree with the concerns about cyclists weaving on and off pavements though. But there is a real issue (that I am sympathetic to) with cyclists being expected to follow all of the road restrictions put in place for cars. It simply isn't necessary to have the same rules for cyclists and motor vehicles. What Edinburgh really needs is far more extensive cycle (and pedestrian!) routes so that we can all get around with minimal contact with cars and buses.

[Maeve]

Forgot the main point that I was commenting to make, which was just a massive thank you to the author(s) of this post, and the news stories in general. This is exactly the sort of really useful local information that we should all be better engaged with, so thanks for making it so easy!

[Net]

I was hit by a cyclist on the pavement on the corner of London Road and Windsor Street in 2009. He swerved to miss my 3 year old and hit me... I landed on the pavement and he just rode off. I was not seriously injured - bruised and grazed BUT he was cycling at full pelt and he would have hurt my child far more. Cyclists belong on the road - car/bus and other road users should treat cyclists better.

[Tim]

My feeling is that regardless of what the law says, people should just be sensible and considerate. Cycling on a deserted pavement at a walking pace and being watchful of pedestrians is not dangerous but illegal. On the other hand, bombing down a cycle path will a hair's breadth to spare for pedestrians is legal, but dangerous and inconsiderate.

Just use your heads, people!

Same goes for car drivers.