Drive Safe, Cycle Safe
Motorists and cyclists both have a right to use Britain's roads - a right to safe and enjoyable travel. Both share a responsibility to understand each other's needs - and to respond positively.
This information aims to make motorists and cyclists more aware of one another, and to counter the intolerance that can develop between them - in short, to establish a climate of mutual courtesy and care
What cyclists would like motorists to know
- Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists - drivers have the major responsibility to take care. Rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists.
- Cyclists can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction.
- Cyclists ride away from the kerb, not to annoy motorists but to:
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- avoid drains, potholes and debris
- be seen as they come to junctions with side roads
- discourage drivers from squeezing past when it's too narrow
- Cyclists turning right are exposed - and need extra consideration from motorists, especially on multi-lane roads with fast-moving traffic.
- Cyclists can be forced into faster traffic - by vehicles parked in cycle lanes, at junctions or on double yellow lines.
- Cyclists are dazzled by full-beam headlights, like everyone else.
- Cyclists can be fast movers - 20mph or more.
What motorists can do
- Think bike. Expect to see cyclists, and take care.
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Slow down and drive smoothly. Keep within speed limits. Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.
Signal: always at roundabouts and every time you pass a cyclist
Watch for riders on the inside when you turn left. Don't cut them up.
- Give cyclists space - at least half a car's width - and never force past them. Be patient - a few seconds for a cyclist hardly affects your total journey time.
- Right-turning cyclists need space and time.
- Park considerately. Always look for cyclists before opening a car door.
- Use dipped headlights.
- Expect speed from bikes. Think of a bike as a vehicle - it is.
What motorists would like cyclists to know
- Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavement.
- Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards.
- Motorists may not always see cyclists.
- Motorists are made uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes.
- Motorists can feel delayed by cyclist.
- Motorists don't always understand that some road surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists.
What cyclists can do
- Follow the Highway Code.
- Don't
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- jump red lights
- ride on pavements (unless they are shared paths)
- ride the wrong way in one-way streets (unless signs say that cyclists are permitted to do so)
- ride across pedestrian crossings
- Think ahead. Anticipate drivers' actions. Catch their eye.
- Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing, and always use lights after dark or in poor day-time visibility.
- Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them.
- Move over, when it's safe and convenient. Two-abreast is often OK, but try not to hold up other traffic.
- Ride positively and decisively. It helps motorists to understand what you plan to do.
Mutual respect and consideration make for safer and more enjoyable travel. Always acknowledging a courtesy does make a difference.
