Safest Cities for Cycling in the UK

Cycling is not only a great way to stay fit and reduce your carbon footprint, but it's also an excellent way to explore vibrant cities throughout the UK. So for those with a passion to pedal, we’ve conducted research to discover the safest cities to cycle in, based on a comprehensive study of over 20 major British cities, and to help inspire your next cycling adventure.

To determine this, we’ve analysed factors including the number of cycle repair shops to the condition of roads and pavements, as well as annual traffic, and even the weather. Our analysis has revealed some fascinating insights that will make choosing your next city cycling location even easier.

Top 10 Safest Cycle Cities

1.   Bristol   - 100

2.   Derby   - 88.5

3.   Leicester   - 87.7

4.   Nottingham   - 87.6

5.   Newcastle Upon Tyne   - 82.3

6.   Kingston Upon Hull   - 81.8

7.   Aberdeen   - 76.9

8.   Wolverhampton   - 76.0

9.   Sunderland   - 74.1

10.   Edinburgh   - 68.8

Cycling is more than just a mode of transport; it's a lifestyle. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Bristol or enjoying the weather in Manchester, these cities offer the best environments for cyclists. So, grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and explore these cyclist-friendly cities. 

Bristol: The Safest Cycling City

Bristol tops our list as the safest city for cyclists. Scoring a perfect 100, it outshines other cities with its extensive network of cycle repair shops—boasting 21 per 100,000 residents. 

Bristol Council has recently accepted schemes to pedestrianise two key roads in the city centre, banning vehicles from The Horsefair, too. This is the hope of making the city even safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend cyclist, Bristol's well-maintained roads and vibrant cycling community make it a top choice. Following closely behind are Derby and Leicester, which also offer a cyclist-friendly environment.

Newcastle: The Smoothest Ride Awaits

Newcastle stands out with the least reports logged on road and pavement conditions, with just 82 reports per 100,000 people. This means fewer potholes and smoother rides for cyclists. Leicester and Nottingham also score well in this category, making them reliable options for those concerned about road quality.

Southampton: A Cyclist’s Dream for Low Traffic

If you prefer a leisurely ride without the hassle of heavy traffic, Southampton is your go-to city. With the least busy roads, registering just over 603 million vehicle miles in 2023, you can enjoy a more relaxed cycling experience. Perhaps unsurprisingly, London sees the most traffic on an annual basis - with 19.2 billion vehicle miles of traffic travelled in 2023. This is followed by Leeds (4.16 billion).

The recent election highlighted that this low traffic in Southampton may be due to roadworks and cost of living crisis. However, this has made transport an even bigger focus for the local government with hope to improve public transport access.

Wolverhampton and Kingston Upon Hull also feature less congested roads, ideal for stress-free cycling.

Manchester: The Calm Amidst the Wind

For cyclists, wind can be a significant factor affecting the quality of a ride. Manchester emerges as the least windy city, with a monthly mean wind speed of just 4.24 knots at 10 metres. This calm weather, combined with a vibrant urban environment, makes Manchester an excellent city for cycling enthusiasts. 

The new Deansgate and Whitworth Street West Travel Scheme set out by the council is also prioritising improvements to infrastructure to improve safety, reduce traffic and encourage more people to walk and cycle in Manchester city. Paired with the low winds, Manchester is on the rise as a safe cycling destination.

London and Glasgow also offer relatively low wind conditions, enhancing the cycling experience.

Can You Cycle on the Roads?

Cyclists are able to ride on the roads but must follow the rules of The Highway Code. As you enjoy your rides, it's essential to stay safe and respect the rules of the road. Here’s what you need to know to keep your journeys smooth and secure:

General Road Cycling Guidelines

• Follow Traffic Signs and Signals: Just like any vehicle, cyclists must obey all traffic lights and road signs. It's about keeping everyone safe.
• Utilise Cycle Lanes: Use designated cycle lanes and routes where available. They’re designed to make your ride safer and more enjoyable.

Safety First

• Wear a Helmet: While not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to wear a helmet that meets current safety standards.
• Be Visible: Light-coloured or reflective clothing helps other road users see you better, especially in low light.
• Light Up Your Ride: At night, your bike must have a white front light and a red rear light. Reflectors are also essential – red at the rear and amber on the pedals for bikes made after 1985.

Smart Road Positioning

• Primary Position: Ride in the centre of the lane to be more visible, especially on narrow roads or when approaching hazards.
• Secondary Position: When it’s safe for vehicles to overtake, ride about one metre from the curb.
• Clear Signalling: Use clear hand signals to show your intentions, whether you’re turning or stopping. On roundabouts, take the lane to prevent dangerous overtaking.

Sharing the Road

• Respect Everyone: Be considerate of pedestrians and other road users. A little courtesy goes a long way.
• Overtaking Safely: When overtaking parked cars or other road users, ensure the road ahead is clear and safe to move out.

Prohibited Areas

• Stay Off Motorway: Cyclists aren’t allowed on motorways at any time.
• No Pavement Riding: Avoid riding on pavements unless it’s a designated shared path.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help ensure that every journey is a safe and enjoyable one. Make sure you’re extra covered with our ALA Road Cycling Insurance to give you more confidence to take on the open road.

Methodology

Our analysis covered several key factors:

-   Reports about road/pavement conditions  : Data from Fix My Street.

-   Cycle repair shops per capita  : Information from Google.

-   Annual traffic  : Statistics from the Department for Transport.

-   Rain probability and wind speed  : Data from the Met Office.

These factors combined give us a comprehensive picture of the safest and most pleasant cities for cycling in the UK.