Two thirds of drivers think aggressive cyclists are a threat to their safety
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Two-thirds of motorists believe aggressive cyclists pose a threat to their safety – despite only FOUR car occupants having been killed in bicycle crashes in a decade
- A poll of 2,010 motorists found that 65% think cyclists pose a risk to them on the road
- Between 2012 and 2021, only four car occupants have died in bicycle accidents
- On the other hand, 494 cyclists were killed in such incidents during that period
Nearly two in three motorists (65%) believe aggressive cyclists pose a threat to their safety, a survey found.
This is despite Department for Transport figures showing that between 2012 and 2021 only four car occupants have died in crashes involving a bicycle and a car, compared to 494 cyclist fatalities in such incidents over that period.
The survey of 2,010 motorists, commissioned by road safety organization IAM RoadSmart, also found that 60 percent of motorists think aggressive cyclists are a bigger problem than they were three years ago.
And 61 percent would not support a law that assumes motorists are always responsible for collisions with cyclists in urban areas.
A poll of 2,010 motorists found that nearly two-thirds (65%) believe aggressive cyclists pose a threat to their safety
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: ‘The government has introduced a range of laws in recent years to resolve the day-to-day conflicts between motorists and cyclists.
“But judging by our research, this has largely yielded nothing, with the majority of respondents still reporting aggression among road users.”
Mr Greig added: ‘There is no quick fix to this problem, but our research sheds light on the urgent need for the Government to continue its information campaigns on the new highway code and to continue to invest in safe road markings for more vulnerable roads . users to minimize the potential for conflict where possible.
“In the meantime, all road users, whether on two or four wheels, should exercise calmness and restraint to help us all use Britain’s roads safely.”
New rules came into force in June 2022, meaning judges in Britain can hand down life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill and careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Two months later, then-Secretary of Transportation Grant Shapps pledged to introduce a “death by dangerous cycling” law that would treat fatal cyclists the same way as motorists.
Nearly four in five (78 percent) respondents to the IAM RoadSmart survey said people who aggressively drive motor vehicles put their safety at risk.
In 2021, approximately 108 people were killed in crashes where aggressive driving was a contributing factor, equivalent to 8% of all road fatalities.
DfT figures show that between 2012 and 2021 only four car occupants have died in crashes involving a bicycle and a car, compared to 494 fatalities among cyclists in such incidents during that period
Duncan Dollimore, campaign manager at Cycling charity, said: ‘There is no excuse for aggressive behavior – people can behave badly whatever mode of transport they use.
“However, the consequences are disproportionate, with statistics showing that bad driving is much more likely to lead to a fatal accident or serious injury.
“The highway code was changed last year to emphasize the extra responsibility of drivers of larger vehicles, because they cause more damage in a collision.
‘Cycling UK has repeatedly called for a long-term, well-funded government awareness campaign to ensure the changes are better communicated and understood, which will in turn make our roads safer for everyone.’
The changes to the Highway Code include creating a hierarchy of road users based on vulnerability.
It means that someone who drives has more responsibility to watch out for people who are cycling, walking or riding.
Another change was that motorists were told to keep at least 5 feet away when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and to leave more space at higher speeds.