Reading Named Worst for Cyclist Safety Outside London

A new study has named Reading the worst place for cyclist safety outside London.

Sigma-HSE, using Department for Transport data, put Reading 11th riskiest in Great Britain. In 2024 there were 277 highway casualties in the borough; 80 (28.9%) involved cyclists.

The finding was raised at Reading Borough Council's policy committee on July 13.

Rob White (Green, Park), leader of the council's largest opposition party, said:

"Reading has recently been named in a BBC News story as the worst local authority outside London for cyclist safety.

"This is deeply concerning for residents who already cycle and for those who would like to cycle but do not feel safe doing so.

"Poor road safety also undermines the council's ambitions to encourage more active travel and reduce congestion.

"Can the lead councillor explain why Reading is performing so poorly, what action the council is taking to improve cyclist safety, and how success will be measured over the coming years?"

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, replied that overall incidents have fallen but cyclist injuries remain too high. He noted there were 425 road casualties in 2015, with 84 (19.8%) involving cyclists.

He said: "I agree that it is concerning that Reading features highly on this list for the worst local authorities outside London for cyclists' safety.

"Whilst we have seen a larger reduction in overall casualties, we are still seeing too many for those involving cyclists.

The council says it is committed to reducing risks for vulnerable road users and will seek funding for cycle safety schemes, including a redesigned project for Bath Road and Castle Hill. Possible measures include parallel crossings, junction reviews and filling missing links, and where appropriate introducing speed reduction schemes such as the recent Northcourt Avenue project.

Cllr Ennis added the council is meeting the Reading Cycling Campaign and getting feedback through the Cycle Forum, and funds Bikeability courses for schools plus free adult cycle training to help people gain confidence and ride more safely.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter