Cycling is promoted across the UK as a green and healthy way to travel, but a rising number of law-breaking cyclists are putting public safety at risk—especially vulnerable pedestrians and bus passengers. Despite authorities having the power to act, weak enforcement and poor infrastructure are letting everyone down.
The Problem: Cyclists Ignoring Traffic Laws
Many cyclists in the UK routinely break road rules, including:
- Jumping red lights – A 2022 Department for Transport (DfT) study found that 57% of cyclists admit to occasionally running red lights, with 14% doing so regularly.
- Riding on pavements – Illegal pavement cycling endangers pedestrians, particularly the elderly and disabled.
- Ignoring pedestrian crossings – Near-misses and collisions occur when cyclists fail to stop at zebra or pelican crossings.
These violations aren’t just minor infractions—they have serious consequences.
Impact on Bus Services Across the UK
Buses are essential for millions, yet reckless cycling is causing major disruptions:
- Delays due to accidents – In 2023, TfL reported over 1,200 incidents involving buses and cyclists in London alone, causing service delays.
- Dangerous overtaking – Cyclists weaving through traffic force buses to brake suddenly, increasing journey times.
- Blocked bus lanes – Many cyclists ride erratically in bus lanes, forcing drivers to slow down or swerve.
Outside London, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol report similar issues, with bus operators citing aggressive cycling as a growing problem.
Pedestrians at Risk – Especially Older People
Elderly and vulnerable pedestrians suffer the most from illegal cycling:
- In 2022, 42% of pedestrian injuries caused by cyclists in London involved people over 60 (Met Police data).
- Pavement cycling leads to falls and fractures – Age UK reports that many older people feel unsafe walking in busy urban areas due to speeding cyclists.
- Underreporting of incidents – Most near-misses go unrecorded unless injuries occur, masking the true scale of the problem.
Weak Enforcement & Lack of Accountability
Despite clear dangers, UK authorities are failing to act:
- Only 354 fines were issued to cyclists for red-light jumping in London in 2023 (Met Police).
- No mandatory training or licensing – Unlike drivers, cyclists face no legal requirement for road safety knowledge.
- Hit-and-run cyclists rarely caught – Many flee collision scenes, leaving victims without justice.
What Needs to Change?
- Stricter police enforcement – More fines for red-light jumping and pavement cycling.
- Speed limits for e-bikes – Many electric bikes exceed the UK’s 15.5mph legal limit.
- Public awareness campaigns – Cyclists must respect pedestrian rights.
- Better cycling infrastructure – Dedicated lanes should keep cyclists off pavements and away from buses.
Conclusion
Cycling should be safe for everyone—riders, pedestrians, and bus passengers alike. But until laws are properly enforced, vulnerable road users will continue to suffer. Authorities must act before more people are hurt and public transport faces further disruption.
Have you been affected by dangerous cycling? Share your experience in the comments.
Sources:
- Department for Transport (DfT) – Cycling Offence Data (2022)
- TfL Bus Incident Reports (2023)
- Metropolitan Police Cycling Offence Data (2022-2023)
- Age UK – Pedestrian Safety Report (2023)