Record 234 pedestrians killed or seriously injured by cyclists last year with 70 hit at crossing

Published: 16:20, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 16:25, 23 August 2026 Cyclists have killed or injured a record number of pedestrians according to the latest government data. A total of 234 walkers were either killed or seriously hurt by cyclists last year. Department for Transport statistics show 70 pedestrians were struck at zebra crossings, pelican crossings or traffic lights. This marks an increase of 71 per cent since 2016 when police officers recorded 137 similar casualties. There were 61 people aged over 65 who were seriously injured in 2025, which is double the elderly people hurt in 2021. The increase in crashes has put pressure on the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to prioritise the safety of pedestrians. Vincent Stops, a former police officer and now a road safety campaigner, told the Telegraph that the increase was ‘dramatic’. He said: ‘This data shows a dramatic year-on-year increase, but it also looks like a trend. A total of 234 walkers were either killed or seriously hurt by cyclists last year- 70 at crossings ‘There really needs to be more thorough data-led analysis of road safety by the government, and a much less ideological and campaign-led approach.’ One concern is the introduction of ‘floating bus stops’ in cities. Floating bus stops, championed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have a cycle lane running between the pavement and the bus stop. Cyclists are supposed to stop at zebra crossings running across the cycle lanes to let pedestrians pass, but often do not the research has shown. The figures also show that 61 pedestrians were injured ‘on a footway or verge’, pointing to cyclists riding on pavements. Silent e-bikes are also to blame according to some experts including Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Commissioner Jones has called for a crackdown on the sale of e-bikes which are available to children online where there are no safety checks. Food delivery drivers have also been criticised by campaigners such as Tony Campbell from the Motorcycle Industry Association, who raised the sale of illegal e-bikes. A bus at a 'floating' bus stop: The stops are supposed to allow cyclists to pass on the near side Mr Campbell said many delivery drivers use bikes which can go faster than the speed limit and their employers ‘turn a blind eye’ to it. The law says the battery of an e-bike must be no greater than 250 watts which limits the speed of the bike to 15.5 mph. Police regularly seize bikes which can go far faster with one in York capable of accelerating past 100 mph. A government spokesman said: ‘Dangerous cycling puts both other cyclists and pedestrians at risk, which is why we have updated century-old legislation to introduce new offences and stricter penalties. ‘Those who recklessly disregard others will face the full force of the law.’