In accordance with a brand new survey, most drivers stay unaware of fundamental Freeway Code guidelines round cyclists with widespread misunderstanding nonetheless placing weak street customers in danger greater than three years after key modifications had been launched.
A ballot of two,000 UK motorists by Scrap Automobile Comparability discovered that almost all incorrectly consider cyclists should trip single file, preserve near the kerb, and use cycle lanes. One in three respondents mentioned cyclists shouldn’t have equal rights on the street.
The Freeway Code was up to date in January 2022 to strengthen protections for weak street customers, together with cyclists. Among the many most vital modifications had been the introduction of a brand new street consumer hierarchy and steering for cyclists to trip within the centre of the lane in sure conditions, corresponding 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 trip two abreast when acceptable.
The findings confirmed greater than three-quarters (77%) incorrectly believed cyclists should use a cycle lane if one is out there, and 65% wrongly thought cyclists should preserve as far left as doable. Over half believed cyclists ought to all the time trip in single file, and simply 34% appropriately 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 at the least 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% mentioned they felt annoyed when encountering different cyclists whereas driving. Nervousness can be frequent, with three-quarters of drivers reporting they often or typically really feel nervous round individuals on bikes – significantly ladies (81%) and youthful drivers (88%).
Regardless of most drivers (96%) claiming they offer cyclists the advisable 1.5m passing distance, practically half (47%) admitted to experiencing a close to miss involving a bicycle 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 consider 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 house than drivers, regardless of Freeway Code steering 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 intently. Belfast, regardless of issues about its biking infrastructure, was ranked most cycle-friendly.
Drivers of sure automotive manufacturers had been additionally discovered to be extra detrimental in the direction of cyclists, with Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Seat house owners scoring highest for cycling-related frustration and misunderstanding.
