Cyclists and motorists are often known for being at loggerheads when they come up against each other on Britain’s roads, but as more people ditch four wheels for two, what should drivers and bikers watch out for?
It looks like cyclists are here to stay as our government promises to spend more money encouraging everyone to go green, but ditching four wheels in favour of two means learning a new set of rules.
Equally, as cyclists pop up on Britain’s roads, the nation’s motorists have a new obstacle to contend with.
So it’s no surprise that there is some confusion about who rules the road, and what the rules actually are.
Rules of the road
If you speak to a motorist about cyclists they’ll complain theyjump red lights, ride too far into the road or ride on the pavement.
And likewise, if you ask a cyclist what irritates them most about drivers, they’ll probably say it’s those who don’t leave enough space when overtaking, drivers who open their door without checking their mirror and drivers who stop at a red light in the box reserved for cyclists.
We all know that drivers would face prosecution if they jumped a red light, overtook dangerously, or drove beside another car in a single carriageway, for example.
But the bad news is, when it comes to cycling, there aren’t many concrete laws, or they’re a lot more difficult to police.
The Highway Code
Although the Highway Code does spell out some basic rules, they’re not all legal requirements in the same way driving rules are imposed.
Andrew Howard, head of road safety at the AA, explains: “If the Highway Code says must or must not it’s a legal requirement. If it says should or don’t then it’s a suggestion. But generally speaking, for anything without a motor or a licence it’s unlikely to be an offence.”
So, the Highway Code states that cyclists must have white front and red rear lights lit in the dark. Cyclists must not cycle on a pavement and must obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals, in the same way drivers do.
But things like riding too far out in the road or weaving between cars in a traffic jam are open to interpretation.
“Fundamentally there is very little that is against the law for a cyclist,” says Howard. “If a policeman does stop a cyclist for careless cycling all they can really do is take a name and address. - With drivers you have a number plate and there’s a lot more to go on when catching an offender.”
Developing some cooperation between drivers and cyclists is something motoring and cycling organisations have debated for years, with the introduction of cycle lanes, split pavements and plans to boost the popularity of cycling in cities.
Yet, despite the ongoing war of the roads, it’s a fact that most cyclists drive as well. A Mintel report published in June 2010, found that people who cycle the most are likely to own at least two cars.
A spokesman for CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation, says cyclists are likely to be more open minded because they probably drive as well: “A lot of car drivers think cyclists should be in the gutter but the fact is that it’s more dangerous for both to push cyclists into a corner. We’re trying to get some understanding between the two.”
CTC also encourages cyclists to take out specialist insurance, which covers them for third party liability. That means, if they cause an accident the insurance will help them pay legal costs, and likewise if they’re the victim in an accident.
“The truth is, when we look at statistics, bicycles don’t hurt many people but cars do. Cyclists are at a disadvantage because they’re not surrounded by metal.”
But on the driver’s side, Howard at the AA explains why motorists may see red if they’re confronted with a discourteous cyclist.
“The biggest thing for drivers is that they feel to some extent persecuted with things like costs, parking and tax. Then they see the road being hogged by cyclists and it’s frustrating.”
But he says while the laws remain relatively unclear, the best solution is to learn to share the road.
“We’re going to have to learn to live together, so it’s best just to be considerate.”
What motorists should do:
- Leave enough room for cyclists
- Watch out when opening doors in case a cyclist is going by
- Look carefully at junctions
But CTC say cyclists have a lot more to remember when negotiating Britain’s roads.
What cyclists should be aware of:
- Never undertake a lorry on the left, where you are in the driver’s blind spot
- Look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, potholes and parked vehicles, so that you do not have to swerve
- Road position should not be less than 1 metre from the kerb
- Make your signal and manoeuvre well in advance
- By law, when it is dark or there is bad visibility, you must have lights on the front and rear of your bike
- Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles
