MTB's On The Road

[BSRU]

Reading a TFL document on cycle road fatalities between 2001 and 2006 I came across some "interesting" information.

For the adult fatalities, 78 had the type of bicycle involved recorded.
55% were on MTB's,
15% were on racing/touring bikes,
18% were on town/hybrid bikes,
2.5% were on BMX's,
7.5% were on "other" style of bikes.

Note, approximate percentages, it is a small sample, there is no mention of the how many of each type are on the road or their distances ridden.

 

[Night Train]

That could be be similar to the old statistic that red cars had more accidents based purely on the fact that there were more red cars on the road.

It could also be that less experienced cyclists, getting their first bike since child hood have been swayed by the huge number of MTBs available and the 'cool' go anywhere image that likewise promotes 4x4s.
It could also be poor quality or badly assembled and set up cheap MTBs failing on the road.
It could be many reasons, but it is still an interesting statistic.

I wonder what the 7.5% 'other' styles of bike were?

 

[Beebo]

It could also be that most lay persons would consider any flat bar bike to be a MTB.

I commutte on a hybrid, which if crushed under a skip lorry would look a lot like a MTB to the average Joe who fills in these forms.

 

[MontyVeda]

I guess 'other' 7.5% could be recombinant bikes, but whoever put the form together couldn't spell recub... reckum... re-comb... oh sod it, Other.

 

[fossyant]

MTB's also inflict more damage on a car if someone drives into you - don't ask how I know, but the car was missing a wing mirror, dented front wing and bonnet. MTB was fine, just a few scratches on the pedals and bar end.

 

[BlackPanther]

It could also be that MB riders in general are likelier to ride in more dangerous conditions, i.e. rain/dark/snow. Whereas road bike riders tend to be more fair weather/weekend riders.

Before I get any flak, I am an all-weather road bike commuter, but I seem to be in the minority. However, when I pop into town on a sunny Saturday I see a far higher percentage of road bikers.

 

[Hip Priest]

I think MTBs are far more common than any other bike, particularly amongst inexperienced cyclists.

 

[Holdsworth]

That's all the evidence I need, from tomorrow I will be commuting on a Penny Farthing for safety's sake

 

[The One That Got Away]

I think this is just due to the fact people who are less experienced on the road are going to be using mtb/hybrid bikes,
So there more likely to make mistakes, fall off, etc..
I thinking that's all that's happening here?

 

[Furkz]

Asda, Tesco etc sell a few mountain bikes CHEAP yet no road bikes (well i never seen any) not all (new)re-starters end up at Evans or a LBS

 

[Hip Priest]

Asda, Tesco etc sell a few mountain bikes CHEAP yet no road bikes (well i never seen any) not all (new)re-starters end up at Evans or a LBS

When I was looking for a budget road bike, this is the cheapest I found:

http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-swift-road-bike-933025

I didn't buy it, like.

 

[BSRU]

That's all the evidence I need, from tomorrow I will be commuting on a Penny Farthing for safety's sake

That would make you an "other" which seem to have a proportionally high fatality rate, since all the bikes I see are covered by the other categories, "other" bikes are extremely rare.

 

[trsleigh]

That would make you an "other" which seem to have a proportionally high fatality rate, since all the bikes I see are covered by the other categories, "other" bikes are extremely rare.

Bromptons would be 'other' and they're certainly not rare in London. There are hordes of us.

 

[Davidc]

Judging by what I've seen when in London that suggests that MTBs are safer than the other types, I'd estimate that at least 70% of the bikes I see are MTBs!

(Pulls tongue back out of cheek and ducks)

 

[tyred]

Time to buy a nice safe BMX. Just the thing for a quick 50 miler....