In keeping with a brand new survey, most drivers stay unaware of fundamental Freeway Code guidelines round cyclists with widespread misunderstanding nonetheless placing weak highway customers in danger greater than three years after key modifications have been launched.
A ballot of two,000 UK motorists by Scrap Automotive Comparability discovered that almost all incorrectly imagine cyclists should trip single file, maintain near the kerb, and use cycle lanes. One in three respondents mentioned cyclists shouldn’t have equal rights on the highway.
The Freeway Code was up to date in January 2022 to strengthen protections for weak highway customers, together with cyclists. Among the many most vital modifications have been the introduction of a brand new highway consumer hierarchy and steerage for cyclists to trip within the centre of the lane in sure conditions, reminiscent of on quiet roads or close to junctions, and to take care of a secure distance from the kerb even on busier roads. The updates additionally make clear that cyclists will not be obliged to make use of cycle lanes and will trip two abreast when applicable.
The findings confirmed greater than three-quarters (77%) incorrectly believed cyclists should use a cycle lane if one is offered, and 65% wrongly thought cyclists should maintain as far left as doable. Over half believed cyclists ought to at all times trip in single file, and simply 34% appropriately recognised that cyclists are allowed to take up a full lane.
Misconceptions about biking behaviour additionally gas wider negativity: 74% of drivers admitted to feeling a minimum of some frustration when driving close to cyclists, with the determine rising to 81% amongst 17 to 24-year-olds.
Even amongst those that establish as each drivers and cyclists, 64% mentioned they felt annoyed when encountering different cyclists whereas driving. Nervousness can also be frequent, with three-quarters of drivers reporting they generally or typically really feel nervous round individuals on bikes – significantly girls (81%) and youthful drivers (88%).
Regardless of most drivers (96%) claiming they offer cyclists the really useful 1.5m passing distance, practically half (47%) admitted to experiencing a close to miss involving a bike owner. This disconnect between reported behaviour and precise incidents suggests some drivers might overestimate their consciousness or misjudge secure distances.
The survey additionally requested drivers whether or not they imagine cyclists have equal rights to make use of the highway. Whereas 60% agreed, 33% disagreed – highlighting the persistence of a perception that cyclists are much less entitled to highway area than drivers, regardless of Freeway Code steerage stating in any other case.
Scrap Automotive Comparability used the survey information to compile a listing of the UK’s least bike-friendly cities, with Sheffield topping the desk primarily based on frustration ranges, overtaking behaviour, and information gaps. Newcastle and Leeds adopted intently. Belfast, regardless of issues about its biking infrastructure, was ranked most cycle-friendly.
Drivers of sure automotive manufacturers have been additionally discovered to be extra destructive in the direction of cyclists, with Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Seat homeowners scoring highest for cycling-related frustration and misunderstanding.
