News / cycling
Bristol named safest city for cycling in UK
Cycle paths with trees in the middle of them. Cycle paths rendered invisible by being the same colour as pavements. Cycle paths that spit cyclists out onto busy roads if the potholes on those same streets haven’t already thrown you over your handlebars.
All typical moans from those who regularly navigate Bristol on two wheels about how unsafe our city is for cycling.
But salvation is here from the unlikely source of an insurance company whose “comprehensive study” has revealed that Bristol is in fact the UK’s safest cycling city.
Research from ALA Insurance of cities across the UK was based on an analysis of factors including the condition of roads and the number of cycle repair shops.
Bristol comes out on top followed by a Midlands triumvirate of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
The Bristol & Bath Railway Path was the first route of what is now the National Cycle Network – photo: Martin Booth
“Bristol tops our list as the safest city for cyclists,” says ALA.
“Scoring a perfect 100, it outshines other cities with its extensive network of cycle repair shops – boasting 21 per 100,000 residents.
“Bristol Council has recently accepted schemes to pedestrianise two key roads in the city centre, banning vehicles from The Horsefair too. This is the hope of making the city even safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
“Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend cyclist, Bristol’s well-maintained roads and vibrant cycling community make it a top choice.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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