Sharing the road with cyclists
As temperatures rise across the UK, many of us will start to see more people opting for the two-wheeled alternative to make their journeys. Whether it’s the school run, commute, exercise, or for leisure IAM RoadSmart is sharing their top tips on sharing the road with cyclists.
The Department for Transport (Dft) reported that in 2022, 16,512 cyclists were involved in a road casualty – making up for 12% of all road casualties. Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner at IAM RoadSmart, is giving his expert advice on how we can all enjoy our hobbies whilst keeping all road users safe.
Keep your distance
When riding or driving, it’s important to leave enough room between you and the cyclist. We never know when we may have to stop, so it’s key to make sure there is enough space in the event of anything unexpected happening.
Look beyond the cyclist
Look beyond the cyclist to decide whether you can get past, and it’s important to remember to keep 1.5 metres width when passing and a minimum of two or three car lengths when following a cyclist. The closer you are, the more nervous the cyclist(s) will be which may result in them becoming unbalanced. When a cyclist is coming towards you, they should also be treated with care, if necessary slow down for a moment and give them space.
Overtake with care
Be careful when overtaking groups of cyclists and ensure you can see well ahead before attempting an overtake. If cyclists are in single file, bear in mind how long you will need to overtake them, and how far ahead the road needs to be clear, as you may not be able to filter in and out. Remember a pothole or drain cover may cause a cyclist to move out so give as much space as you can.
Take your time
It’s important to stay calm if you find yourself behind a cyclist, and if you find yourself acting irrationally, it’s likely this will lead to unnecessary road rage and collisions that could be easily avoided.
Parking with care
After parking, check for other road users by opening your door using the Dutch reach method. Check your mirrors and reach across with your left hand as this encourages you to look over your shoulder and check your blind spot to see if it is safe to open the door.
Richard Gladman, Chief Examiner at IAM RoadSmart said:
“Sharing the road safely is key to ensuring we all get to enjoy the warmer weather. Unlike motorists, cyclists don’t have a protective shell around them that’s equipped with airbags and seatbelts so it’s vital we all play our role in keeping each other safe.
“The 2022 Highway Code no longer asks for cyclists to stay on the left side of the road, or to use any provided cycle lanes. Instead, they are told to ride no less than half a metre from the kerb or verge. This change places greater responsibility on motorists to overtake cyclists safely, so it’s never been more important to know the rules of the road. We’re all told to be considerate and understand our responsibility for the safety of others, as advanced drivers and riders this should be on the top of our list.”
