Table of Contents
Record Pedestrian Injuries Linked to Cyclists
The latest figures come as cycling continues to play an important role in Britain’s transport system. While cycling provides environmental and health benefits, the data has drawn attention to collisions involving pedestrians, particularly in locations where cyclists and people on foot share limited space.
According to reports based on Department for Transport data, 234 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured in incidents involving cyclists during 2025. Two of those pedestrians were killed, while the remainder suffered injuries classified as serious.
The wider government statistics show that vulnerable road users remain disproportionately represented among Britain’s most serious road casualties. In 2025, pedal cyclists themselves accounted for 79 deaths and 4,390 killed-or-seriously-injured casualties in Great Britain.
Crossings Become Major Safety Concern
Pedestrian crossings have emerged as a particular area of concern.
Reports based on the latest figures indicate that 70 pedestrians were struck at pedestrian crossing facilities in 2025. These included zebra, pelican and toucan crossings, as well as locations where pedestrians must cross cycle lanes, such as some floating bus stops. The number represents a substantial increase compared with 2016.
Under the UK’s Highway Code, cyclists must dismount and wheel their bicycles across zebra, pelican and puffin crossings. At cycle tracks and shared crossing areas, riders are also instructed to take care and be prepared to stop for pedestrians.
The issue has attracted particular attention in London, where observations at some crossings have found large numbers of cyclists failing to yield to pedestrians.
Elderly Pedestrians Among Those Seriously Hurt
Older pedestrians appear to be particularly vulnerable.
Reports citing the latest figures say 61 people aged over 65 were seriously injured in collisions involving cyclists in 2025. That was approximately twice the number recorded among elderly pedestrians in 2021.
Road safety campaigners have described the trend as troubling, arguing that people who may have slower reaction times or reduced mobility require additional protection around cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings.
The figures also highlight the importance of road design. Floating bus stops and shared-use areas can require pedestrians to cross active cycle lanes, creating potential conflict between the two groups. Parliamentary evidence has acknowledged concerns surrounding such layouts and noted that the Department for Transport has issued guidance on floating bus stops.
E-Bikes Add to Road Safety Debate
The growing popularity of electric bikes has added another dimension to Britain’s road-safety debate.
E-bikes can be heavier and faster than conventional bicycles, while their relatively quiet operation can make them less noticeable to pedestrians. Campaigners and some public officials have therefore called for closer enforcement against illegal or unsafe electric bikes.
However, safety experts also stress that enforcement needs to be accompanied by better infrastructure and clearer separation between cyclists and pedestrians.
Calls for Stronger Enforcement
The latest figures are likely to fuel calls for greater compliance with the Highway Code and stronger action against dangerous or unlawful cycling.
At the same time, the official data should be viewed in context. Government statistics show that overall pedal-cycle fatalities have fallen substantially over the long term, even though serious injuries have increased. In 2025, 79 cyclists were killed and 4,311 were seriously injured in Great Britain.
The challenge for policymakers is therefore to improve safety for both cyclists and pedestrians without discouraging active travel.
For pedestrians, campaigners want safer crossings, better-designed cycle infrastructure and stronger enforcement where riders fail to give way. For cyclists, protected lanes and clearer road layouts can reduce conflicts with pedestrians and motor vehicles.
As Britain expands cycling infrastructure, the latest UK cyclist accidents figures underline the need to ensure that walking and cycling networks are designed with safety for all road users at their core.See More on Pulse pakistan
