In brief
Claim
53 cyclists were killed in 2014 due to bad road conditions, up 77% since 2010.
Conclusion
This is wrong. The figures refer to the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured (KSI) in this kind of road accident.
Cyclist deaths are soaring due to badly maintained roads, the Metro reports this morning:
“There were 53 deaths in 2014 attributed to “poor or defective surfaces” – up 77 per cent since 2010”
Metro print edition, 15 February 2016
This is wrong. The figures, released in response to a parliamentary question, refer to the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured (KSI) in reported road accidents on local roads, where an attending police officer judged that the road surface contributed towards the incident.
But of those 53 cyclists, we don't know how many were killed, and how many were seriously injured.
We’ve asked the Metro for a correction.
Full Fact wants to see greater accountability for public figures who mislead us—and we need your help.
Political debate in the UK is in flux right now. The UK’s exit from the European Union is approaching, we will soon have a new prime minister and potentially a general election.
We want politicians to tell the truth, and while the best politicians realise that their work should be done honestly, some aren't taking their responsibilities seriously. Both sides in the EU referendum campaign let voters down, from deceptively designed leaflets to some of the arguments made on each side. The public rightly expects more from politicians.
We want to see greater accountability for public figures who mislead. Full Fact will continue to advocate for higher standards and call out those who don't uphold them.
But we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make sure we can spot the most harmful misinformation when we most need to.
Can you help us?
Support better public debate today.
