Here are the number of road accidents involving cyclists in Sunderland for the last five years as drivers urged to look twice

Drivers are being urged to look twice as new figures show over half of accidents involving cyclists result from drivers failing to see them.
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The data shows that, over five years from 2017, almost 2,500 cyclists have been injured on North East roads including 19 involved in fatal accidents and 551 seriously injured.

In Sunderland, between 2017-2021, there has been a total of 224 incidents involving cyclists, with two being fatal, 61 resulting in serious injury and 161 resulting in slight injury.

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Drivers are being urged to look twice after the release of figures. (Photo: shutterstock)Drivers are being urged to look twice after the release of figures. (Photo: shutterstock)
Drivers are being urged to look twice after the release of figures. (Photo: shutterstock)
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Data shows children are the highest risk group – with 12 to 16-year-olds accounting for 15% of all cyclist injuries, while children in total account for 22% of cycling accidents in the region.

Concerns have also been raised with the wearing of helmets while cycling, with the vast majority of children injured while cycling (92%) and 63% of adults were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Campaign and education group Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) claim cycling in the region had doubled since 2020 as the lockdowns led to an uptake in the activity

RSGB NE Chair Cheryl Ford-Lyddon said: “It’s fantastic that so many people are continuing to get out on their bikes and enjoy some of the beautiful routes around the region, but it’s important we all do our bit to keep cyclists safe.

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Cyclists only make up around 1% of miles travelled in the region, but they account for 13% of serious injuries and 6% of fatalities. Nobody wants a death or serious injury on their conscience. We are appealing to everyone to look out for others. Drivers should always take a second look for bikes before pulling out. It could save a life.”

The most common location for cyclists to be involved in a collision is close to a junction, with 70% of cyclist casualties occurring within 20m of where roads meet.

Head of Northumbria Police’s Road Safety team, Sergeant Glen Robson, said: “Sadly, every year hundreds of cyclists are injured on our roads. We urge drivers to look twice and always be mindful that cyclists could be on the road."