(Image: Tom Banks)
North East schoolchildren have joined road safety campaigners and emergency services in urging drivers to look twice for cyclists after figures showed more than half of bike collisions were caused by motorists failing to see them.
The campaign, led by Road Safety GB North East, follows data revealing that 62 per cent of cyclist casualties were attributed to "Failure to look properly".
Pupils from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Sunderland and Throston Primary School in Hartlepool are supporting the campaign after taking part in road safety education through Bikeability training.
Bike safety: Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School taking part in a Bikeability course
(Image: Tom Banks)
Peter Slater, chair of Road Safety GB North East, said: "We're asking all road users to slow down, stay alert and take a second look for cyclists, particularly at junctions, when overtaking, or before opening a vehicle door.
"Children should be able to cycle safely in their communities.
"Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users, and by giving them space and looking properly before making a manoeuvre, drivers can help prevent avoidable collisions and keep young people safe."
Over the past five years, children have made up around a quarter of cyclist casualties in the North East.
During that period, 458 child cyclists were injured in road collisions, with 86 sustaining serious injuries and two tragically killed.
Almost all of those injured were boys, with 11 to 15-year-olds accounting for 71 per cent of child cycling casualties.
Pupils from Throston Primary School in Hartlepool are supporting the road safety campaign
(Image: Tom Banks)
The campaign urges drivers to remain vigilant and watch for cyclists, especially as more children are likely to be out riding during the summer holidays.
Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police's Operation Dragoon team, said: "We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as possible, especially for those who may be more at risk such as children cycling.
"Serious or fatal collisions can destroy lives and rip families apart – and quite often they are entirely preventable."
The pupils supporting the campaign learned about cycling safety through Bikeability sessions delivered by their local councils’ road safety teams.
Thousands of children across the region take part in Bikeability training each year to build the skills and confidence needed to cycle safely.
Matthew Lidster, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s road and water safety team lead, said: "Every road traffic collision has the potential to change lives in an instant.
"As a fire service, we see first-hand the devastating impact these incidents can have on children, families and communities.
"By slowing down, staying alert and taking that extra second to look for cyclists, drivers can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safe on our roads."
A significant number of cyclist casualties occur near junctions.
In fact, 59 per cent of incidents involving cyclists happen within 20 metres of a junction.
Group Manager Steve Thomas, Head of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Prevention and Education Department, said: "All road users deserve to feel safe on our roads.
"We ask drivers to be especially vigilant around young cyclists, who may be less experienced and more vulnerable.
"By showing patience, respect and consideration for others, we can help prevent collisions and keep our communities safe."
Regional data shows the scale of the issue.
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From 2021 to 2025, County Durham recorded 60 child cyclist casualties, Darlington 32, Gateshead 16, Hartlepool 28, Middlesbrough 42, Newcastle upon Tyne 41, North Tyneside 43, Northumberland 37, Redcar and Cleveland 23, South Tyneside 43, Stockton-on-Tees 44, and Sunderland 49.
Across the region, this totals 458 casualties, including 86 serious injuries and two fatalities.
The campaign highlights the urgent need for caution and awareness from all road users, especially during the busy summer months.
It reminds drivers that taking a moment to double-check for cyclists could save a life.