According to sources, one in six cyclists confessed to riding their bike while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, despite it being against the law. The survey also revealed that 43% of cyclists didn't know that riding under the influence is included in the Highway Code. Half of cyclists admitted that they don't always wear helmets when out on the road because they're seen as 'uncool', with the most common reason for avoiding helmets being that cyclists only travel short distances (31%).
Cyclists also admitted to ignoring front and rear lighting and not putting on reflective clothing, despite it being an offence to go without them after dark. On pavement cycling, 53% of cyclists believe you can cycle on pavements up until the age of 18, despite the laws suggesting that no one should cycle on pavements. One in ten cyclists choose to cycle through red lights often or all the time when taking their bike to the road.
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to get around and stay active, but our research shows many riders are skipping safety measures, often for relatable reasons.
The survey indicated that 70% of cyclists believe you should take a cycling test before getting on a bike on public roads, yet 48% of cyclists polled never having done a cycling proficiency test or bikeability training. More than a third (35%) of cyclists said they've had an accident or near miss when taking their push-bike on the street, and for 73% of cyclists, having an accident or near miss became a turning point as they've taken safety measures more seriously afterwards. ' The specific laws or penalties for cycling under the influence in the UK are not detailed in the survey, and it is unknown how many cyclists actually comply with Highway Code requirements.
Safety items like helmets, lights, and reflective clothing are there for a reason and can be the difference between a minor injury and something more severe.