CSP supports safer cycling campaign

In 2004 physiotherapist and CSP member Vicki McCreery was killed after being hit by a bus whilst she cycled on Blackfriars Bridge in London.

The ‘Cities fit for cycling’ campaign contains an eight-point manifesto calling for cities to be made safer for cyclists.

Safer lorries

It suggests that lorries which enter a city centre should be legally required to have fitted sensors, audible turning alarms and extra mirrors and safety bars to minimise the risk of cyclists being thrown beneath their wheels.

The campaign also calls for improved standards of training for cyclists and drivers, and recommends that cycle safety becomes a core part of the driving test.

Serious injuries

Commenting on the manifesto, CSP chair Helena Johnson said: ‘Physiotherapists all too often see the consequences of dangerous cycling conditions as they work with patients to overcome serious injuries suffered on the roads.

‘Anything that can be done to reduce the incidence and severity of these injuries is to be welcomed.’

And she said people should to be encouraged to cycle, to improve health and wellbeing.

Move for Health

‘Initiatives like the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's Move for Health campaign encourage people to build more exercise into their daily lives and cycling is an excellent way to do that.

‘If the Cities fit for cycling campaign helps remove some of the barriers that prevent people from getting out on two wheels, then society as a whole will benefit.’