Cyclists Remain In Danger

A distressing 93% of UK motorists admit it’s difficult to spot cyclists on Britain's roads. But drivers also claim people on two wheels are inconsiderate, that's according to a new survey published by the AA.

Despite widespread media coverage of cycling deaths, cycle accident claims and national campaigns to keep pedallers safe, a survey of almost 18,000 drivers delivered by the AA Charitable Trust has revealed drivers still find it hard to see cyclists.

The AA/Populus poll – timed to coincide with the launch of a national Think Bikesawareness campaign – showed that around 55 per cent of motorists are frequently “surprised when a cyclist appears from nowhere”.

AA president Edmund King, explains: “Our campaign is definitely needed when half of drivers are often surprised when a cyclist or motorcyclist ‘appears from nowhere’.

“Those on two wheels never appear from nowhere, so as drivers we need to be more alert to other road users.”

The AA/Populus survey, of 17,629 adults, also found that 54% believed pedal cyclists were inconsiderate road users, with males (57%) more likely to believe this than women (47%).

Drivers in London were the most likely to look out for cyclists, while drivers in Wales and Northern Ireland were least likely to do so.

When asked about motorcyclists, 40% of drivers in the poll said motorcyclists were inconsiderate, with this number increasing to 46 per cent among Londoners and 49 per cent among drivers aged 25-34.

The new campaign, which has support from British Cycling and the Motorcycle Industry Association, will reportedly see one million free stickers distributed to drivers as a reminder to do a ‘double-take’ in their mirrors for cycles and motorcycles in their blind spots.

It is suggested that the cycle sticker is placed on the passenger’s side and the motorcycle one on the driver’s side.

Among those involved in the launch is British Cycling policy adviser and former Olympic cycling champion Chris Boardman.

He added: “This move by the AA is a welcome step in creating a culture of mutual respect between all road users.”

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