Blackburn with Darwen’s accident hotspots for cyclists

For the first time, the law will require those who can do the greatest harm to others to have a higher level of responsibility to reduce the danger.

This means someone driving will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.

Ahead of the new changes which will be introduced on Saturday (29 January), we have rounded up some of Blackburn with Darwen's accident blackspots and most dangerous roads.

Here is all you need to know:

What are the key highway code changes coming into force on Saturday (29 January)?

Cyclists will be advised to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions to make themselves as visible as possible.

They will be reminded they can ride two abreast – as is already the case – but must allow drivers behind them to overtake if it is safe to do so.

A hierarchy of road users will be introduced, meaning someone driving will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.

Other key amendments include clearer guidance for drivers to leave a distance of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists, and instructing traffic to give way when pedestrians are waiting to cross at junctions.

There will also be a recommendation for car occupants to open doors using their hand on the opposite side to the door, making them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them.

This technique, known as the Dutch Reach, reduces the chances of doors being opening into the path of cyclists and motorcyclists.

The changes are advisory, meaning non-compliance will not result in a fine.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “I’m proud to say we have some of the safest roads in the world, but I’m determined to make them safer still for everyone.

“These updates to the Highway Code will do just that by bringing the rules into the 21st century, encouraging people to respect and consider the needs of those around them, and ensuring all road users know the rules of the road.”

Where are the most dangerous roads in Blackburn with Darwen?

According to a recent FOI request, almost 900 cyclists across Lancashire have been injured in crashes with vehicles over the past three years.

During that same time frame, 342 cyclists received ‘serious’ injuries.

• READ MORE: Almost 900 cyclists injured on Lancashire's roads over last three years

Using an interactive map, we have tracked down some of the most dangerous roads for cyclists in Blackburn with Darwen.

Crash Map uses official data from The Department of Transport and pinpoints the location of every ‘fatal’, ‘serious’ and ‘slight’ driving collisions that took place.

Using the site’s most up-to-date data we have found the roads, roundabouts and junctions with the most crashes over a five year period (2016-2020).

In and around Blackburn, more than 120 incidents involving a pedal cycle were reported during this five year period. 

Dozens of accidents involving a pedal cyclist were reported in Blackburn between 2016-2020(Photo: Crash Maps)

A fatal accident involving a cyclist took place on Whitebirk Road, near the roundabout in 2018.

Robert Worden was knocked off his bike by a Mercedes 29-seater minibus, which then ran over him.

Driver, David Haythornwhite, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving but was spared jail.

The junction between Plane Street and Beech Street is also one to be wary of as two ‘slight’ accidents took place here on separate months in 2017.

According to Crash Maps, Eanam Roundabout is also an area for cyclists to be cautious of; two serious and one slight accident took place on the roads leading to and from the roundabout between 2016-2018.

Another potentially dangerous stretch of road is the junction between Montague Street and Wainwright Way; two serious and one slight accident involving a cyclist took place here over a five year period.

Preston Old Road, between Buncer Lane and Spring Lane has seen three accidents involving a cyclist, all of which took place between 2018-2020.

One was serious and two were ‘slight’ accidents.

Two minor accidents took place in the same spot, where Plane Street meets Beech Street; the incidents took place on different months in 2017.

Three minor accidents took place near the roundabout on Alan Shearer Way; one in 2016, one in 2017 and a third in 2019.

Blackburn Road, heading into Darwen, has also seen its fair share of cycling accidents.

Eight minor and one serious accident was reported on Blackburn Road, heading into Darwen (Photo: Crash Maps)

Eight minor and one serious accident was reported on this stretch of road.

Other serious accidents were reported near Olive Lane, Sudell Road, Pole Lane roundabout, Spring Vale Road and Belgrave Road between 2016-2020.

Blackburn With Darwen Connect offered some road safety advice for cyclists and walkers alike. 

These include: 

• Wear bright clothing, preferably something fluorescent and/or reflective, to help other road users to see you more easily
• While cycling, always use lights and reflectors in the dark and in poor weather which affects visibility
• If wearing headphones, ensure the volume is low enough for you to hear any potential hazards, including other road users
• If planning to walk or cycle a new route, make time to do a recce so you know how long it takes and what to expect along the way.

To find out more about cycling safety in Blackburn with Darwen by visiting the Blackburn With Darwen connect website. 

Find out where road accidents have taken place in your hometown by visiting the Crash Maps website.