A NEW interactive map revealed that a crash involving a cyclist happens on Swindon’s roads almost every week.

Between 2015 and 2019 CrashMap shows there were 263 collisions or crashes involving a pushbike in the town – the equivalent of one every 7.7 days.

The majority, 220, were minor incidents but 41 were classified as series and there was one fatality.

The Magic Roundabout near the County Ground was the scene of 17 accidents, with the Queens Drive junction seeing five minor and one serious accident.

Other blackspots included Drakes Way near the Greenbridge roundabout, with three serious incidents between February 2017 and March 2018.

Here’s what you told us on Facebook:

Alan Wilson: “I’m a motorist and a cyclist. I cycle about 120 miles a week.

“Every cyclist should wear light-coloured clothing so they can be seen, have lights on night and day and never ever ride on the pavement.

“The highway code should be adhered to at all times too.

“I get really annoyed when I see any cyclist riding on pavements.

“It’s against the law and is dangerous for pedestrians especially those with mobility/sight issues.

“I cannot understand how any cyclist can ever ride at night with no lights. It’s absolutely crazy and is not fair on motorists.

“The negative aspect about motorists is the speed a lot of people drive at across this town.

“Speed limits are regularly breached whether its in a 20, 30 or 40mph zone. Speeding is dangerous and it puts people at risk.”

Sarah Davis: “Well I thought the government gave Swindon money for bike lanes?

“Only seen one, which is rubbish. My concern is the amount of cyclists on pavements.

“I am a cyclist, runner and car user and don’t think Swindon caters for a mix.

“As a runner I give way to pedestrians but am fed up of cyclist on pavements.

“As a cyclist I’m fed up of cars not respecting cyclists.”

Neil Greenwood: “Cars are big and come in all colours with big lights, the users have insurance, tax and passed a test but they still crash into each other on a daily basis.

“It’s the idiot who is using it, not the mode of transport.”

Gillian Moore: “What’s happened to cycling proficiency? We got taught this at school.”

Nigel Chalk: “Been hit twice by cyclists on pavement then getting a mouthful of abuse.

“Have asked police but they say although it is illegal they haven’t the manpower to enforce.”

Lesley Lilley: “I am surprised that more pedestrians aren’t injured.

“I hardly see a bike on the roads as they are all on the pavement.”

Sally Clark: “This doesn’t surprise me, I’ve often said recently how cyclists have changed.

“Cycling at speed on pavements then flying off into the road without looking, weaving in and out of cars, undertaking stationary traffic at speed, not wearing bright clothing or helmets, not having or using lights.

“There’s been many a time I’ve seen near misses and it’s not been down to poor driving on the part of other road users.

“Also, you have those cyclists who think they own the road and clearly think they have more rights to be there than anyone else.”

Lyn Brooks-Lloyd: “If there are so many accidents involving cyclists, which must also involve emergency people, then it’s about time cyclists paid road tax to help with the cost.

“A tax would also help pay for all the new cycleways that are being built.”

Julie Cleaver: “There are plenty of back allies in Swindon centre – they could make safer routes for bikes on these.

“Along with cycle tracks you can pretty much keep off the roads.”

Steve Stimson: “Not all cyclists are the same. Not all car drivers are the same.

“I am both and respect all the laws.

“And bikes came first.”