Nearly two thirds of respondents (64%) to the latest British social attitudes survey believe that roads are too dangerous for cyclists, the highest figure since the question was introduced in 2011.

The results of the latest survey, which were released by the Department for Transport yesterday (03 December) polled nearly 3,000 people in 2014 to find out more about their travel habits and their major concerns about transport.

It also revealed that 85% of respondents agreed that if a person had consumed any alcohol then they should not drive. Fifty-seven percent of respondents agreed that all use of mobile phones while driving is dangerous and 45% agreed that it should be banned.

Helen Williams, a senior road traffic accident solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “The findings of this poll confirm a number of public concerns relating to road safety, but the crucial thing now is what the Department for Transport and the government are to do with these findings.

“If these findings are used to bring about genuine improvements to cycle safety, a reduction in the legal alcohol limit or better resources for police forces to catch people using their mobile phone at the wheel then that’s welcome, but I question whether the government will truly address any of these issues.

“Road traffic accidents are often easily avoidable, and the public clearly ‘get’ what’s needed to avoid them. The government needs to take notice and implement changes to help drive up road safety standards and reduce the number of accidents on our roads."