Cycling on paths: is message getting through?

Latest figures show fewer cyclists are riding on pavements or going through red lights

These figures include the Met and City of London Police. There is quite a breakdown on the graphs that shows you the peaks and troughs of offences that I've attached here.

Julia also analysed the data and came up with the following:

"There was a massive spike in fines (Fixed Penalty Notices) given out to cyclists using pavements this year in February and March.

1593 penalties were given to cyclists for riding on the pavement at the start of this year (Jan - Mar 2010) compared to 943 in the same period last year. An increase of 70%.

Since then - the middle of this year (May - Jun 10) there's seen a massive decrease in these fines for cycling on the pavement (only 378) compared to the same period last year (1147).

The figures also show that overall fines given out to cyclists are increasing. In 2007 there were 5089 fines given out compared to 6724 in 2009.

And the most common offence (by a long way) is for cycling on the pavement. In 2009 1971 tickets were issued.

The next is for "contravening automatic traffic signals" (i.e. running a red light). In 2009 550 tickets were given out.

In 2010 so far (up til June) there were nearly 4 times as many penalties given out to cyclists for cycling on the pavement compared to running a red light.

Also, Westminster Borough has the most fines issued each year for the past four years. However, Hackney Borough is rising up the list. It is currently second, whereas in past years it has been Southwark or Kensington and Chelsea. (Indicates increasing numbers of cyclists in Hackney?)"

So what does it show? Does the dip in fines for cycling on the pavement show the message is getting through? It's obviously still an issue though with it being the largest offence by far for cyclists.

These figures also show that the "clampdown" had actually been going on for some time.

And guess how many cyclists got done for cycling with no lights? Just 22 in a whole year.

UPDATE 01/12/10

I've spoken to Julia again about these figures. Her take on it is the drop in tickets in April-June is probably due to reduced enforcement.

Was there a big push at the start of the year and then the bike cops relaxed?

Or have I suggested cyclists changed their habits ?? Unlikely ...?

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