Pedalling some raw data...

Posted Tue, 10/03/2009 - 16:59 by Paul Clarke
Note: If you are looking for the official Directgov Cycling pages, they can be found at:

    http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/CyclingAndWalking/DG_4018700

Planning a cycle route? Would it be useful to know where accidents-involving-bicycles have been in the past? Following the principle of "make the raw data available, and let others use it" we're making it available here:

Click HERE to link to the data.

The information is provided by the Department for Transport, and the first of what we hope will be many more raw data sets provided through this innovate site. At the moment it's just one file - but it will go straight into our data wiki which should be ready very soon.

The data gives the locations (for the years 2005-2007) of accidents involving pedal cycles, causing personal injury, which were reported to the police. Are there 'hot-spots'? Any trends over time? Could this support a "plan a safer journey" service? What about helping to draw attention to the need for road improvements? Over to you to explore some of the answers...

Further information on road accident statistics (including scope, definitions and limitations) can be found in the Road Casualties Great Britain report (2008 is the latest year available).