How unsafe are the roads for cyclists?

Posted by pinkestpenny@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 80 comments

Hi all!! I’m currently wondering if the roads are that unsafe for cyclists, I’m not too sure how to word that I’m sorry lol For some context, I’m in West Yorkshire & I’m a 17yo girl if that makes any difference - I’m currently training for a triathlon & obviously need to cycle, but I have been condemned to the local cycling track by my dad because neither of us particularly enjoy the thought of me getting hit by a car!! I do find this a little peculiar though because everybody is fine with me running on the literal backroads I don’t know anybody else who cycles and I can’t drag either of my parents out with me since my dad tries to convince me to get my licence to get an enduro motorcycle & my mum doesn’t want to, and I’m lowkey too anxious to try find somebody else 🙈. All I know is that cycling around a track for 50k isn’t always enjoyable if I can’t think of anything interesting enough to think about for the duration lolol So I’m kind of wondering how safe/unsafe I’d be just on main roads in general if I get out early enough (like 5:30am ish on Fridays & Sundays is my usual time but if any other time wouldn’t be as bad perhaps) or if I should just stick to what I’m doing because I don’t feel like becoming a speed bump! Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!!