Beginners cycling,Commuting,Cycling

What the UK’s New Road Safety Plan Means for Runners and Cyclists

What the UK’s New Road Safety Plan Means for Runners and Cyclists

The UK government has just launched its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, with a bold aim: cut deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.  For anyone who runs or rides on the road, this is big news.

Why this matters to you

Every day, around four people are killed on Britain’s roads, with many more seriously injured.  The new strategy is designed to change that by tackling the main causes of serious crashes:

- Speeding  

- Drink and drug driving  

- Not wearing seat belts  

- Mobile phone use behind the wheel

Crucially, the plan puts a strong focus on protecting “vulnerable road users” – including people running, walking and cycling.  That means safer conditions for the everyday miles you do in your Proviz gear.

Key changes drivers will see

The strategy doesn’t place new rules on runners or cyclists. Instead, it tightens standards on drivers and vehicles to make the environment around you safer.

Some of the headline proposals include:  

  • A minimum learning period for new drivers, so they gain experience in night-time, bad weather and heavy‑traffic driving before passing.

  • Tougher action on drink driving, including consulting on a lower alcohol limit and better use of technology to stop repeat offenders.

  • Stronger action on drug driving and faster powers to suspend licences where there’s a serious risk.

  • Mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers, and possible cognitive checks, to make sure people are still safe behind the wheel.


For you, the aim is simple: fewer impaired, inexperienced or unfit drivers sharing the roads where you run and ride.


Safer streets and better infrastructure


Alongside changes for drivers, the government is investing more in active travel – that’s everyday walking, wheeling and cycling.


In England, more than £626 million is being distributed to councils to expand networks for walking, wheeling and cycling over the next few years.  This is expected to deliver around 500 miles of new and improved active travel routes, including:

  • Protected cycle tracks and safer junctions on busy roads  

  • Better pavements and crossings for people on foot  

  • Traffic‑calmed streets that make it easier to choose active travel for short trips


The strategy also commits to updating national street‑design guidance so new roads are planned around people walking and cycling first, with lower speeds built in from the start.  Over time, this should mean more routes where runners and cyclists feel genuinely prioritised, not squeezed to the edge.[7]


What this means for your everyday miles


Put together, these changes are designed to make it safer and more appealing to be active on the roads.  For runners and cyclists, you can expect over the coming years to see:

  • Fewer drunk or drug‑impaired drivers on your usual routes  

  • Better‑designed junctions and crossings that are easier to navigate on foot or on two wheels  

  • More continuous, joined‑up routes rather than “bits” of cycle lane or pavement that suddenly end  

  • A growing culture that recognises people on bikes and on foot as central road users, not an afterthought.

Nothing in the new strategy changes what you must do as a cyclist or runner, but it should gradually change what drivers and road designers do around you.

How Proviz fits into a safer‑roads future for the UK

The government’s plan focuses on reducing the severity of crashes and preventing them in the first place.  That includes safer road designs, safer vehicles and safer behaviour – but visibility still plays a huge part.

When you’re out early in the morning, at dusk, or in bad weather, a high‑visibility and reflective kit helps drivers see you sooner and react in time. Independent road safety experts continue to stress the importance of being seen, especially for people on bikes and on foot.

At Proviz, our goal is to complement this new era of safer roads by giving you a kit that:  

  • Maximises your visibility in low light  

  • Keeps you comfortable in all conditions  

  • Helps you feel confident choosing active travel – whether that’s your commute, club run or training ride  

As the UK road network evolves under this new strategy, we’ll keep updating you on what it means for you and continue designing products that help you enjoy every mile with confidence.

Further Reading

 

Article by Holly Townsend
Back to Blog

Stay in the Loop