CYCLISTS are at most danger of being involved in a traffic accident at junctions, crossroads and roundabouts, new research has found.
A survey by campaigners Cycle Law Scotland found more than one-third of all accidents involving bikes in Scotland happen where two or more roads meet.
The other most common types of accidents suffered by cyclists include drivers cutting left across their path and motorists not leaving enough room when overtaking, hitting the cyclist from behind.
Cycle Law Scotland founder and keen cyclist Brenda Mitchell said road users' attitudes to cyclists must change if safety is to be improved.
The group has called for a change in the law to establish the principle of strict liability for motorists involved in accidents with cyclists, reducing the need for lengthy court battles.
Ms Mitchell said: "The vast majority of motorists are never involved in accidents with cyclists and hopefully never will be. Our research shows problem areas and how a simple change in attitude of some drivers on the road to cyclists will make a huge difference.
"Strict liability must be seen as one of just a number of steps that can be taken now to improve cycle safety and safe road share."
The group's report, based on cases between 2010 and 2012, shows 38% of collisions took place at crossroads or junctions, and 11% were at roundabouts.
The report, which covered most of Scotland, found that 45% of accidents occurred in the Greater Glasgow area and 35% took place in the Edinburgh area. Cyclists were wearing safety helmets in two-thirds of all accidents.
Glasgow City Councillor Frank McAveety said: "Ensuring cyclists feel safe and protected across Glasgow is key to our bid to become Europe's Green Capital in 2015."
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