Staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) are urging people to cycle more safely following an increase in the number of patients being seriously injured in cycling accidents.

The hospital is a Major Trauma Centre and has one of the busiest A&E departments in the country, seeing the aftermath of some of the most serious cycling accidents. It aims to raise public awareness and reduce accidents by asking motorists and cyclists alike to take more care on the roads, as well as encouraging cyclists to wear protective gear such as high-visibility clothing and helmets, and to use equipment such as reflectors and lights.

Margaret Garbett, Matron for A&E, is keen to prevent further injuries: “We really feel passionately about this. Over the last two months we have seen some very serious injuries, including three fatalities.

“What has struck us the most is that the majority of those patients were not wearing protective equipment such as helmets or brightly coloured clothing.

“Cycling is a great sport and we actively encourage our staff and the public to keep fit by cycling but, first and foremost, we want people to be safe on their bikes.

“We want to prevent these injuries happening in the future and we hope our campaign will encourage cyclists to wear protective equipment and clothing, to cycle safely on the roads and for motorists to be more aware of cyclists when they are driving.”