BBC: Cyclist deaths rise during recessions

[TourOfSardinia]

Cyclist deaths rise during recessions, figures suggest

UK deaths rose by 58% between 1930 and 1935 and by 14% between 1980 and 1984 before falling back, and by 7% last year

Alarming news - take care!

 

[slowoldman]

I have another viewpoint (or at least a supplement to their theory), I believe that people angry with the economic situation become less caring and more aggressive behind the wheel. They reduce the amount of space given to cyclist while passing them and unfortunately things happen more often due to road conditions and such. I am not saying people intentionally hit cyclists, just reduce the "safe zone" and things happen.... I've witnessed it and been victim of it personally.

I really like when you ride up to some jerk who has just given you a "fly-by" and he says, "I should of hit you." Just love that......

 

[max_powers]

yes agressive behavior while driving may be a factor.
Couple more:
1 Intoxication - economic distress a factor
2 More Bikes on the road - no money for car/gas

add a couple more factors, and accident rates go up fast

 

[jens_attacks]

useless statistics.can't believe someone is spending money on those

 

[MarkvW]

yes agressive behavior while driving may be a factor.
Couple more:
1 Intoxication - economic distress a factor
2 More Bikes on the road - no money for car/gas

add a couple more factors, and accident rates go up fast

Maybe more riders at peak hours (commuting)?
Maybe more inexperienced riders?

 

[ElChingon]

Yes, its economic reasons alright, the press (or BBC in this case) doesn't want to pay for reporters going to remote locations or spend any money so they end up with the trash stats they can get easily and they end up concentrating on cycling. Then ignore the real scary stats of crime during a recession, home robberies, assaults, etc.

Then again its the holiday's and most reporters are at home with families and end up seeing the local issues in the burbs, kids with new bikes riding as if they own the road and they get run over...