Road Safety report reveals big increase in cyclist casualties in York

Still 4 school crossing patrol vacancies in City

Accident levels in the City started to increase in the wake of the ill judged wide area 20 mph speed limits introduced by the last Labour led administration in 2013. Comparing 2014 to 2015, total accidents involving a fatality or serious injuries was stable at around 74.

However serious accidents involving cyclists increased from 21 to 24. 

In 2015, of all casualties recorded in the City 30% were cyclists, (141 slight, 24 serious 0 fatal).

This is an increase in overall cycling casualties of 16% from the 2012 recorded figures.

This may be partly due to the significant rise in the number of people cycling for both transport and leisure, with monitoring showing an approximate 20 per cent increase in the volume of journeys undertaken by bicycle in York.

accidents-in-york-to-2015

National statistics show that York has the third highest percentage of adults cycling once a month in England. The increase in people cycling is thought to be due to a combination of cycle infrastructure improvements, local promotion through i-Travel York and the Tour de France and subsequent Tour de Yorkshire.

The report also highlights the work of the Road Safety team in three areas, including, Road Safety Training, the School Crossing Patrol Service and Regional Safety Partnership work.

The report highlights the road traffic casualty statistics for the York area and the work that is being done to continue to ensure that York has the lowest levels (per 100,000 of population) in the Yorkshire and Humber region for people killed or seriously injured. Understanding the types of accident and where these accidents occur helps the council and partners to better target campaigns and other safety measures.
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Visits to York Libraries on increase

“E” book downloads up 44%

A report  to  council committee from York Libraries indicates that many branches had seen increased numbers of visitors over the last year.

The report, from the independent mutual organisation, says,

“Overall the number of visits to libraries  is up 8% on last year.

Book issues are down 1%, but there are increases at some libraries and in some formats. Ebook and audio download borrowing continues to grow massively, up 44% on last year.

Book issues are also up at York Explore (4%) which shows the success of the recent changes to the layout and display of stock.

 Loan of toys is up by 113%.

There are a few libraries who are struggling and we are planning interventions to look in detail at those communities to see how we can improve”.

The libraries now have 258 volunteers helping to update shelves and undertake story telling activities.

The services are hoping to find new premises for the Haxby library which was closed in July following structural safety concerns.

A report from the archives service lists new material which is available for inspection for the first time. The material includes the records of over 30 local organisations including parish councils, businesses, charities and political parties.

library-visits-oct-2016