In keeping with a brand new survey, most drivers stay unaware of fundamental Freeway Code guidelines round cyclists with widespread misunderstanding nonetheless placing susceptible street customers in danger greater than three years after key adjustments have been launched.
A ballot of two,000 UK motorists by Scrap Automobile Comparability discovered that almost all incorrectly imagine cyclists should journey single file, preserve near the kerb, and use cycle lanes. One in three respondents stated cyclists shouldn’t have equal rights on the street.
The Freeway Code was up to date in January 2022 to strengthen protections for susceptible street customers, together with cyclists. Among the many most vital adjustments have been the introduction of a brand new street consumer hierarchy and steerage for cyclists to journey within the centre of the lane in sure conditions, akin to on quiet roads or close to junctions, and to keep up a protected 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 should journey two abreast when acceptable.
The findings confirmed greater than three-quarters (77%) incorrectly believed cyclists should use a cycle lane if one is on the market, and 65% wrongly thought cyclists should preserve as far left as potential. Over half believed cyclists ought to at all times journey in single file, and simply 34% accurately recognised that cyclists are allowed to take up a full lane.
Misconceptions about biking behaviour additionally gasoline wider negativity: 74% of drivers admitted to feeling no less than some frustration when driving close to cyclists, with the determine rising to 81% amongst 17 to 24-year-olds.
Even amongst those that determine as each drivers and cyclists, 64% stated they felt pissed off 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 folks on bikes – notably girls (81%) and youthful drivers (88%).
Regardless of most drivers (96%) claiming they provide cyclists the really helpful 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 could overestimate their consciousness or misjudge protected distances.
The survey additionally requested drivers whether or not they imagine cyclists have equal rights to make use of the street. Whereas 60% agreed, 33% disagreed – highlighting the persistence of a perception that cyclists are much less entitled to street area than drivers, regardless of Freeway Code steerage stating in any other case.
Scrap Automobile Comparability used the survey information to compile a listing of the UK’s least bike-friendly cities, with Sheffield topping the desk based mostly on frustration ranges, overtaking behaviour, and information gaps. Newcastle and Leeds adopted carefully. Belfast, regardless of considerations about its biking infrastructure, was ranked most cycle-friendly.
Drivers of sure automobile manufacturers have been additionally discovered to be extra damaging in the direction of cyclists, with Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Seat homeowners scoring highest for cycling-related frustration and misunderstanding.
