Safe Speed Forums

Road safety campaign to star familiar faces?

Adam Tranter in CW

TfL says the number of cyclists in London has increased by 83% in a single year.

Sport England says that cycling is the fastest growing sport in the UK British Cycling had an unprecedented growth last year.. With many taking up cycling for leisure and pleasure as well as grass roots racing.

But all these new cyclists will all have experienced congestion and the perceived likelihood of near-misses

Web forums are plagued with discussions about collisions with drivers, attitudes of motorists and ignorance of the laws of the road.


Some car drivers are malicious and so in the same breath are some cyclists. But educating and reminding drivers is the key to safer cycling in the future and that requires budget and access to appropriate media outlets to raise awareness.

THINK!!

The DfT’s THINK! Website provides all sorts of articles on drink driving, driver tiredness, rural driving, and advice for new drivers.. older drivers... and even advice on dealing with horses. However, there is no guide for dealing with cyclists. Hidden at the bottom of the page is “Advice and Tips for Cyclists..” in which drivers are advised to give cyclists room - which is correct but an almost impossible suggestion in any town or city. More realistic advice on why not to overtake before road furniture and traffic calming measures might be more realistic.

Before the Olympics few had heard of Chris Hoy. After the Olympic success – cycling appears to enjoying another boost. Kellogg’s are now using Sir Chris to promote Bran Flakes. It is thus reasonable to suggest using these cycling ambassadors in advertising campaigns may help raise safety awareness for cyclists.