10 Seconds To Live: The Hidden Barrier to a Safer Worcester
If you look at the official stats for road safety in Worcester, the "official" perspective is often: It’s fine. Because fatalities and RTCs are considered acceptable and traffic moves quickly, the system is seen as "efficient."
But at Bike Worcester, we believe a road isn’t "safe" just because nobody died on it today. A road is truly safe when an 8-year-old can cycle to a friend’s house or an elderly resident can cross to the shops without feeling a sense of dread.
The "Acceptable Danger" Metric
Right now, the narrative from Worcestershire County Council Highways focuses heavily on two things:
- Car journey times (Keeping the metal moving).
- Evidence of danger (Waiting for "threat-to-life" incidents before acting).
Essentially, the policy asks: How much car traffic can we squeeze through this space at an acceptable level of danger?
The Data: A Speeding Car Every 15 Seconds
We didn’t just want to talk about "feelings", or "perceptions of safety" so we looked at the data. Analysis of the Council’s own vehicle surveys in residential areas reveals a culture of speeding that is fundamentally changing how our communities function.
In some of our 30mph residential areas, we've found that:
- 30% to 50% of vehicles are speeding.
- In many areas, a speeding vehicle can pass as often as every 10 to 15 seconds.
The chart below shows, according to Traffic Survey data from Worcestershire County Council, the percentage of vehicles speeding in a number of vehicles in Worcester between 2022 and 2024 exceeded 30% in 10 traffic surveys.
When we combine the data with information about the volume of traffic, the issue is exacerbated further: in some locations in Worcester, the surveys detected at least 1 vehicle every 10 seconds exceeding the speed limit.
For a pedestrian, these aren't just numbers, but lived experiences. For any residents with limited mobility, or parents with small children, these figures represent a stark difference in hierarchy that is enshrined in our built environment. A really good example is in ability to cross roads at key intersections: this data represents "lost gaps". When a driver speeds, they reduce the time and space available for someone else to cross. It adds a layer of uncertainty and unpredictability that makes our roads feel like barriers rather than connections.
A Call for a New Approach
We are calling on our elected representatives at both the City and County Council to lead a new narrative. We aren't just asking for signs; we are asking for a shift in culture.
We are suggesting a public awareness campaign that focuses on three critical "friction points":
- The New Highway Code: Ensuring drivers know that pedestrians have priority at side junctions.
- Roundabout Respect: Promoting the same priority at the entrances to our roundabouts.
- Targeted Action: Identifying and improving key crossing points across the city that residents have told us feel unsafe.
It’s Time for Aspirational Thinking
As residents, we shouldn't settle for "low incident rates." We should demand a community that promotes consideration, patience, and tolerance. We want a Worcester where the use of a private car doesn't automatically trump the safety and comfort of people on foot or bikes.
The data is clear. The residents are ready. It’s time for our councils to lead the way.
How You Can Help
- View the Data: Check out our full analysis of the speed surveys here.
- Share Your Story: Do you struggle to cross certain roads in Worcester? Comment below or email us.
- Get Involved: Show our councils that road safety matters to you. Join one of our rides, or write to your local councillor.
