Rob Derry, of Swindon BUG (Bicycle Users Group) Steering Committee, asks how safe is cycling?

One of things that always gets mentioned when cycle safety is talked about is the need for hi-viz and helmets.

Personally, I generally choose to wear a hi-viz jacket (or a bright coloured top in the summer) and a helmet on my commute to work across Swindon.

However, I think that forcing cyclists to do such things goes against the whole spirit of cycling. It should be something very normal that all people can do in normal clothes and at a moment’s notice.

Chris Boardman, the former Olympic cycling champion, Tour de France leader and hour record holder who has now turned his hand to the issue of cycling safety, was recently quoted as saying that helmets and hi-viz were not even in the top 10 things to do to make cycling safer for everyone.

Road traffic statistics show that you are as likely to be killed or seriously injured whilst walking as you are whilst cycling. So why is it only cycling that attracts the campaign for safety equipment?

SwindonBUG wants to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy cycling for what it is: an uncomplicated, physically beneficial way of moving around our town and the surrounding countryside.

Cycling is an enormously fun thing to do, especially with friends or family, and We want to help remove the barriers that people in and around Swindon feel stop them from cycling.

Given that statistics prove that it is about as safe as being a pedestrian, why are so many people fearful of getting their bikes out of the garage and going for a ride but they think nothing of walking to the shops? Is it a training issue?

Watch out on the BUG website and our Facebook page for details of Sky rides and other opportunities for people to overcome their lack of confidence on a bike. In the meantime, enjoy your cycling.