The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is urging people of all ages
to take extra care when using bikes, e-bikes, motorbikes and scooters this summer after new figures showed a significant rise in bike-related incidents across the region.
NEAS responded to 340 bike-related incidents in July 2026, an increase of 25.5% compared to July 2025 (271 incidents) and 45.9% compared to July 2024 (233 incidents).
The figures represent the highest number of bike-related incidents recorded across the June and July data available from the last three years.
Many more people enjoy outdoor activities during the school summer holidays, with children, young people and adults spending more time cycling, scooting and travelling on two wheels. While many incidents are minor, some can result in serious injuries requiring emergency care.
NEAS is encouraging everyone to take a few simple safety precautions before setting off, including carrying out basic vehicle checks, wearing a correctly fitted helmet and ensuring they have the skills, equipment and road awareness needed to stay safe.
HART and resilience manager, Alun Ross said: "We've seen a significant rise in bike-related incidents this summer, with July recording 340 incidents across the region.
“Whether you're riding a bicycle, motorbike or scooter, wearing a properly fitted helmet is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious injury.
“As children enjoy the summer holidays and prepare to return to school, we’re encouraging parents and carers to talk to them about staying safe and making helmet use a habit every time they ride."
To support the campaign, NEAS recreated a simulated road traffic collision involving a cyclist at its Dukesway simulation suite. Using realistic props, specialist training equipment and immersive surroundings, the exercise demonstrates the potential difference between wearing a helmet and not wearing one, helping to highlight how simple safety measures can reduce the risk of serious injury.
Alongside the increase in bike-related incidents, NEAS also recorded 133 heat-related incidents during July 2026, highlighting the continued importance of staying safe during warmer weather.
People are encouraged to:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle, e-bike, motorbike, scooter or taking part in other wheeled activities.
- Carry out a quick safety check before setting off, including tyres, brakes, lights and handlebars.
- Make sure children wear a helmet every time they ride and understand basic road and cycle safety.
- Stay hydrated and take regular breaks in hot weather.
- Wear suitable clothing and high-visibility items where appropriate.
- Take extra care around roads, paths and busy public spaces, particularly during the summer holidays and when travelling to and from school.
These safety messages are not limited to cycling. Whether children are riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, hoverboard or roller skates, wearing a helmet and appropriate protective gear such as knee and elbow pads can make a significant difference in preventing serious injury.
The campaign is part of NEAS' wider summer safety campaign, which provides practical advice to help people stay safe and avoid preventable accidents during the school holidays and beyond.
For more summer safety advice, visit the NEAS website: https://