Record number of pedestrians injured by cyclists as unruly e-bikes surge

The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured by cyclists has reached record levels as campaigners call for stricter rules. Incidents surged by 71% between 2016 and 2025, depsite the number of cycled miles only rising by 1%, according to the Department for Transport (DfT) statistics.

A shocking 70 of the pedestrians were hit on “pedestrian crossing facilities” by either bikes or e-bikes, which include zebra, pelican and toucan crossings, and controversial floating bus, stops where walkers must cross a cycle lane. Some 61 of pedestrians were injured “on a footway or verge”, which suggests they were riding on the pavement.

Christine White, whose father, Jim Blackwood, 91, was hit and killed by an e-cyclist riding on the pavement, wants mandatory training courses for cyclists.

She told The Telegraph: “I’m horrified by the ignorant behaviour of the large number of cyclists who have complete and total disregard for anyone but themselves – be they on pavements or the road.

“I believe all cyclists should have to undertake training and pass a proficiency test similar to motorists. There should also be some way of identifying them.”

In total last year, police logged 234 instances of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured by bikes or e-bikes across England, Scotland and Wales, compared to 137 before the pandemic.

While the data covers bikes and e-bikes, the data coincides with a surge in e-bike usage, which are generally faster and heavier.

In February 2025, Henry Morgan, 61, hit a pedestrian when overtaking a bus. The man later died. Prosecutor Robert Simpson told the court Morgan’s e-bike had been modified to reach speeds of up to 27mph – almost twice the legal speed limit – effectively turning it into a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, videos are frequently shared online of both manual and electric bikes speeding through red lights and failing to stop at pedestrian crossings.

On the back of the data, some road safety campaigners want Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to enforce protections for pedestrians.

Gerard Griffiths, whose mother, Hilda, 82, died after being involved in a collision with a speeding cyclist in Regent’s Park, believes cyclists need to be educated about road rules.

“Seeing serious injuries increase is concerning but comes as no surprise to anyone who has come across the all too frequent scenario of a cyclist who believes they have the right of way at red lights and zebra crossings, and ball through at speed and with little care for the pedestrian who’s got to jump out of their way.”

The road safety data classifies a serious injury as a lengthy hospital stay to treat broken or crushed bones, internal injuries, severe cuts and concussion. Two people were killed by cyclists, but it does not include those who died more than 30 days after the collision.

The true number of casualties is likely to be far higher because the data only includes incidents where police attended.