Cycling
New data shows Swansea is one of the safest cycling cities in the UK


New data has revealed that Swansea is one of the safest cities to cycle in the UK.
Swansea ranked 11th overall in the survey by injury specialists claims.co.uk.
The data looked at how steep the terrain was, how many accidents had been reported involving cyclists, the quality of pathways and surfaces and how well lit cycle routes were.
Despite cycling routes being relatively steep (8.50/10) and around 60% of pathways not being well-lit, the number of bike crashes in Swansea is low with an average bike accident score of only 0.92/10. This gives the city an overall danger score of 3.75/10.
Chelmsford was crowned the most bike-friendly UK city.
earning an overall danger score of only 1.79/10. The number of bike crashes (16)is the second-lowestof all places analysed, being slightly behind Gloucester in fifth (12). Boasting an almost perfect road condition for cyclists,over 73% of paths are well-lit in the city.
Worcester takes second place with a danger score of 2.71/10. Where a few bike crashes have occurred, none reported were fatal, with average bike accident score being only 1.50/10. Despite road lighting usually being dimmer (8/10), bikers will find smooth and flat cycling paths across the city.

10 safest cities for cycling
Rank | City | Steepness score (/10) | Average bike accident score (/10) | Surface quality score (/10) | Dim lighting score (/10) | Overall danger score (/10) |
1 | Chelmsford | 1.25 | 0.08 | 5.75 | 3.50 | 1.79 |
2 | Worcester | 2.25 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 8.00 | 2.71 |
3 | Nottingham | 6.00 | 0.92 | 5.25 | 4.00 | 3.00 |
4 | Lincoln | 3.25 | 3.75 | 3.25 | 1.00 | 3.13 |
5 | Gloucester | 1.75 | 1.58 | 8.25 | 4.25 | 3.17 |
6 | Cambridge | 0.25 | 4.50 | 2.50 | 3.25 | 3.25 |
7 | Leicester | 1.50 | 4.75 | 1.75 | 2.25 | 3.29 |
8 | York | 2.00 | 3.42 | 1.50 | 6.25 | 3.33 |
9 | Wakefield | 6.50 | 0.58 | 3.75 | 9.25 | 3.54 |
=9 | St Albans | 7.50 | 1.17 | 8.75 | 1.50 | 3.54 |
10 | Norwich | 5.50 | 2.50 | 7.50 | 1.25 | 3.63 |
*The lower the scores, the safer it is for cyclists.
Claims.co.uk also revealed that Birmingham is the most dangerous for cycling, as the city racks up an overall danger score of 7.38/10. Bikers are most likely to suffer from poorly-maintained road surfaces (9/10), and steep pathways where less than 50% are equipped with optimal lighting. These could thus contribute to the city’s bike accident score of 6.75/10.

10 most dangerous UK cities for cycling
Rank | City | Steepness score (/10) | Average bike accident score (/10) | Surface quality score (/10) | Dim lighting score (/10) | Overall danger score (/10) |
1 | Birmingham | 6.25 | 6.75 | 9.00 | 8.75 | 7.38 |
2 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 9.75 | 8.67 | 3.00 | 4.50 | 7.21 |
3 | Plymouth | 8.00 | 6.92 | 9.50 | 4.75 | 7.17 |
4 | Sheffield | 7.75 | 8.25 | 2.25 | 7.75 | 7.08 |
5 | London | 3.00 | 9.58 | 7.75 | 1.75 | 6.88 |
6 | Preston | 5.25 | 7.08 | 8.50 | 5.75 | 6.79 |
7 | Manchester | 4.75 | 8.58 | 6.25 | 3.00 | 6.63 |
8 | Stoke-on-Trent | 8.25 | 4.50 | 5.50 | 9.50 | 6.13 |
9 | Bristol | 7.25 | 6.67 | 4.00 | 5.25 | 6.08 |
10 | Brighton and Hove | 8.75 | 6.00 | 4.50 | 2.75 | 5.67 |
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
-
South Wales Police2 days ago
Police launch new campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour in Swansea’s bus station and Castle Square
-
Business4 days ago
Australian fashion jewellery giant arrives at Swansea’s Quadrant
-
Carmarthenshire1 day ago
Map of where new default 20mph restrictions will be in Carmarthenshire is revealed
-
Dyfed Powys Police2 days ago
Police issue appeal for missing Llanelli 12-year-old
-
Gorseinon3 days ago
Swansea crowdfunding scheme that helped Gorseinon Gymnastics club raise £25k opens new funding round
-
Food & Drink3 days ago
Swansea’s street food festival is returning this Easter for a four-day event
-
Swansea10 hours ago
New images show how heritage sites at Swansea’s Strand, Hafod copperworks and museum could be transformed
-
Swansea1 day ago
Greener Castle Square proposal gets planning permission