Cars are overrated. Sure, they go fast – but that’s all they have going for them. They’re expensive, bad for the environment, and you need to have a licence to operate one. But bikes? They’re cheap, they keep you fit, and they can be parked anywhere you can wrap a lock around.
Although you may recognise that cycling is a superior form of transport, not everyone does. And cycling can be pretty daunting on roads filled with cars – after all, the health benefits of riding a bike become a bit useless if you get hit by a car.
Safety is a huge concern when you’re on two wheels, and some places pay it closer attention than others. ALA, an insurance company, has done some research into which places in the UK are the most safe for cyclists based on a few criteria including number of cycle repair shops per capita, the amount of car traffic, the chance of rain, and average wind speed.
Named the safest place for cyclists in the UK was Bristol. Although its countless aggressively steep hills make Bristol an absolute nightmare to get around by foot or by pedal, it is the safest place to do so in the UK. What cruel irony. The study cited the city’s pedestrianisation of its central area as a major reason for its success, saying: ‘Bristol's well-maintained roads and vibrant cycling community make it a top choice [for cyclists].’
Next was Derby, followed by Leicester. Despite only coming fifth out of all, Newcastle was actually named the city with the best kept roads, meaning you hopefully wouldn’t need any repair shops in the first place. According to ALA: ‘If you prefer a leisurely ride without the hassle of heavy traffic, Southampton is your go-to city,’ as it has the lowest levels of traffic in the country.
You can have a look at the entire list, or learn more about the researchers’ methodology here. Enjoy your very safe, very responsible cycling, Bristolians!
Getting around the UK
Cycling isn’t the only good way to get around. There’s plenty to talk about in the world of UK transport, such as the fact that the ‘world’s best airline’ is launching more flights from the UK, this tunnel that has been proposed to connect the USA and the UK, and the latest information about ongoing strikes.
Did you see that Rat-sized spiders are invading the UK?
Plus: Why is the UK’s phone signal so bad right now?
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