New data from the Department for Transport reveals a mixed picture for cyclist safety on UK roads in 2025. While serious injuries among cyclists increased by 14%, there's a positive trend with fatalities continuing to decrease for the fifth year in a row. This ongoing decline in cycling deaths since 2015 indicates a potential improvement in fatal incident prevention, despite the rising number of severe injuries.
The report, titled 'Reported road casualties Great Britain 2025', details that 16,042 cyclists were involved in road collisions, constituting 13% of all reported casualties. Out of these, 4,390 cyclists sustained fatal or serious injuries, making up 15% of all such incidents. Notably, the 79 cycling fatalities in 2025 represent only 5% of all road deaths, and it marks only the fifth time since 1979 that the annual toll has fallen below 100. However, the Department for Transport acknowledges that non-fatal cycling incidents are often under-reported, as cyclists are not mandated to inform the police of collisions, suggesting the actual number of serious injuries could be higher.
Car occupants remain the most affected group in road accidents, accounting for 629 of the 1,538 total road deaths in 2025. They represented 41% of all fatalities, 38% of serious and fatal injuries (KSIs), and 53% of overall casualties. Vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists, collectively accounted for more than half of all fatalities and KSIs, with motorcyclists alone comprising a quarter of all deaths. Pedestrian fatalities also saw an 11% decrease from 2024, with 364 deaths recorded. In terms of collision involvement, cars were present in 60% of fatal collisions, while HGVs, despite lower overall involvement, were implicated in 7% of fatal incidents. Cyclists have the second-highest collision rate per billion miles traveled, with 4,633 crashes and 25 fatalities, trailing only motorcyclists.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures targeting all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Efforts should focus on improving infrastructure, promoting safe driving and cycling practices, and implementing effective public awareness campaigns. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and caution on the roads, we can collectively work towards a future where such tragic statistics are dramatically reduced, ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual. Continuous monitoring and policy adjustments based on detailed data will be crucial in achieving this vital goal.