Cycling: Women

Baroness Randerson Excerpts
Tuesday 21st February 2017

(7 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe (Con)
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My Lords, it is the turn of the Liberal Democrats and then I am sure we can hear from Labour.

Baroness Randerson Portrait Baroness Randerson
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Thank you. Women cyclists are proportionately more likely to be injured or killed than men. The overwhelming majority of cycling accidents and fatalities involve vehicles, disproportionately lorries. What action are the Government taking to ensure that the latest and most effective safety features are adopted for all lorries on our roads and not just the newest ones?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
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The noble Baroness is right to raise the issue of such fatalities, of which there were 100 in 2015. The figures show that lorries account for some 5% of transport on British roads, but they account for about 19% of fatalities. She will be pleased to hear that the Government have encouraged the use of all the latest technology. From 1 July last year, new lorries now incorporate the new safety mirrors which give an extended rear view of any cyclist approaching from either side.