National Audit Office statistics showing an 11 per cent increase in cyclists killed and seriously injured between 2004-07 (despite cycling levels staying broadly constant) are a timely reminder to cyclist and motorist alike.

The two tragic deaths of young people on bikes in recent years in York were both in places you would least expect a “cycle accident” (and are not counted as such in the statistics, being “off road”). Yet, as the current council road safety campaign, madeyoulook.tv, makes clear, the unguarded moment is most likely to lead to an urban road accident – the teenager with the iPod or mobile, the cyclist or driver with mobile or CD player, the mum or dad trying to control the dog or squabbling children.

Add into this stress and anger directed at the council, the boss, the queues, etc, and you have a real recipe for disaster, when the “distraction” of two road users coincides. School road safety training for crossing roads and riding bikes is important, but children haven’t developed an adult level of judgement of what is safe, yet must have the opportunity to learn in a safe supervised way, such as the forthcoming “walk to school week”.

It’s the driver or cyclist’s responsibility to anticipate their actions and travel at a speed and in a manner that allows for the “unexpected” on our busy roads. Rather than feeding the “blame culture” we must “share the responsibility” of using our roads.

Chill a little! Whether on a bike or behind the wheel – both potentially lethal machines – the more vulnerable road user has to be our first concern “in the moment”, even if they are “in the wrong”. If it was one of your loved ones was “acting stupid” you would surely hope that someone else would do the same.

Coun Andy D’Agorne, Broadway West, York.