UCL study highlights critical safety benefits of dedicated cycling infrastructure in London

A pioneering UCL study reveals that roads without dedicated cycling lanes in London experience the highest near-miss incidents, underscoring the urgent need for safer cycling infrastructure as urban cycling continues to rise.

A recent University College London (UCL) study has added compelling evidence to the argument for dedicated cycling infrastructure, revealing that roads without such facilities in London experience the highest frequency of near-miss cycling accidents. The research, involving 60 London-based cyclists equipped with 360-degree helmet cameras and GPS devices over a two-week period, recorded 94 near-miss incidents, although no collisions occurred during the study. This approach, combining video footage, location data, and verbal reporting, is believed to be pioneering in its comprehensive analysis of factors contributing to cyclist near misses.

The study highlights that near misses predominantly occur during peak commuting hours, between 7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, with 58 of the 94 recorded incidents taking place during these times. Furthermore, a significant majority, 69 near misses, were documented on roads lacking dedicated cycling infrastructure, underscoring the critical role such facilities play in cyclist safety. The research also found that higher cycling speeds and the use of cycleways away from main roads correlate with fewer near misses, suggesting that tactically designed routes that divert cyclists from heavy traffic can enhance safety.

Professor Nicola Christie, senior author of the UCL study, emphasised that near misses, often overlooked in official statistics which focus primarily on collisions, are crucial indicators of road safety. She pointed out junctions as particularly hazardous spots for cyclists, which aligns with findings that dedicated infrastructure can mitigate such risks. Dr James Haworth from UCL’s SpaceTimeLab elaborated on this by noting that quiet residential streets adapted as cycleways, previously known as ‘quietways’, have been effective in reducing near misses despite shared lanes with motor vehicles. However, he acknowledged that even segregated cycleways, London’s former ‘cycle superhighways’, present risks, especially at points where vehicles cross cycle lanes to turn or enter side roads, particularly during congested periods with limited visibility.

The increase in cycling activity by 39% across Great Britain between 2004 and 2024 reflects growing public interest in cycling, yet the safety landscape remains complex. While cyclist fatalities have decreased by 35% in the same period to 82 deaths in 2024, serious injuries have risen by 16%, reaching 3,822 incidents. This paradox signals that although progress has been made in reducing deaths, road safety measures must still evolve to address injuries and near misses.

The study was funded by The Road Safety Trust, whose chief executive Ruth Purdie OBE stressed the importance of fully understanding cycling incidents and near misses to inform improvements in road infrastructure and promote safer cycling environments.

This UCL research builds on previous initiatives and data-driven projects aimed at enhancing cyclist safety. For instance, earlier UCL projects involving sensor-mounted bicycles have helped identify risk factors associated with near misses, reinforcing the benefits of dedicated cycling infrastructure. Similarly, local government efforts like Camden Council’s 2015 trial to double cycle lane sizes near UCL reflect practical responses to increasing cycling demand and the identified need for safer, more attractive cycling routes.

International studies, such as one conducted in San Francisco, reveal broader trends where near misses strongly influence cyclists’ perception of traffic risk, sometimes more so than actual collisions. This global perspective further supports the call for dedicated cycling infrastructure across urban settings to improve safety and encourage cycling as a viable mode of transport.

In sum, the UCL study provides robust evidence that dedicated cycling lanes and thoughtfully planned cycle routes, particularly those diverting cyclists from busy main roads and junctions, are essential to reducing near misses and improving overall safety for cyclists. As cycling grows in popularity across the UK, such infrastructure investments will be key to sustaining this trend while protecting vulnerable road users.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (Highways Magazine) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• ^[2] (UCL News) – Paragraphs 1, 2
• ^[3] (Road Safety Trust) – Paragraph 4
• ^[4] (Road Safety Knowledge Centre) – Paragraph 4
• ^[5] (UCL Engineering) – Paragraph 5
• ^[6] (UCL Sustainable News) – Paragraph 6
• ^[7] (Carfree America) – Paragraph 7

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from University College London (UCL) dated 28 October 2025, indicating high freshness. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/cycling-near-misses-london-worst-rush-hour-and-roads-without-dedicated-infrastructure?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The direct quotes from Professor Nicola Christie and Dr James Haworth are unique to this study and have not been found in earlier publications, suggesting originality. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/cycling-near-misses-london-worst-rush-hour-and-roads-without-dedicated-infrastructure?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from UCL, a reputable academic institution, and is supported by the Road Safety Trust, enhancing its credibility. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/cycling-near-misses-london-worst-rush-hour-and-roads-without-dedicated-infrastructure?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The findings align with previous research on cycling safety and infrastructure, and the methodology involving helmet-mounted cameras and GPS devices is sound. ([ucl.ac.uk](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/cycling-near-misses-london-worst-rush-hour-and-roads-without-dedicated-infrastructure?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reliable source. The claims are plausible and supported by the methodology and findings of the study.