Europe adjusts to more cycling

The number of people killed on Europe's roads fell by 8% last year, following a 9% decrease between 2011 and 2012, provisional figures released by the European Commission show. Commenting on the announcement, Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said: “We welcome the reduction in the number of road deaths in Europe last year. But the fact that more than 500 lives are still being lost every single week on our roads is a reminder that Europe needs to step up its efforts.”Speeding is a primary factor in about one third of fatal collisions and an aggravating factor in all crashes. The Commission says that the number of cyclists killed has been increasing, partly due to the increase in popularity of cycling. Legislation on the weights and dimension of lorries is currently being negotiated by the EU. ETSC says that the safety elements of the proposals, enabling a safer front end design and increased visibility, are of tantamount importance and must be given the green light as soon as possible. Read on here.