A new survey shows that 65% of drivers believe that aggressive cyclists threaten their safety on the road.
This contradicts the Department for Transport figures showing that only four car occupants have been killed in a crash involving a bicycle and car from 2012 to 2021, compared to the 494 cyclists killed during the same period.
A poll of 2,010 motorists conducted by road-safety charity IAM RoadSmart indicates that 60% of drivers believe that aggressive cyclists are more prevalent than three years ago. Along with this, 61% of drivers also wouldn’t support a law which worked on the assumption that the driver is responsible for a collision with a cyclist in an urban area.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and research, said: ‘The Government has introduced a range of laws in recent years in an effort to fix the daily conflicts we see between motorists and cyclists.
‘But if our research is anything to go by, this has largely been to no avail, with the majority of respondents still reporting aggression among road users.’
Mr Greig added: ‘There is no quick fix to this issue, but our research sheds light on the urgent need for the Government to maintain its education campaigns on the new Highway Code and continue to invest in safe road markings for more vulnerable road users to minimise the chance of conflict wherever 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.’
In June 2022, a new rule came into force that allows judges in Britain to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers and careless drivers that are involved in a fatal collision while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Following this ruling, the then-transport secretary Grant Shapps pledged to create a ‘death by dangerous cycling’ law, which would see cyclists and motorists treated the same.
Over 75% of people who responded to the IAM RoadSmart survey said that motorists driving aggressively have been risking other peoples’ safety.
Some 108 people were killed in 2021 in crashes where aggressive driving was a contributory factor, equivalent to 8% of all road deaths.
Duncan Dollimore, heading of campaigns at charity Cycling, said: ‘There’s no excuse for aggressive behaviour – people can behave badly no matter what mode of transport they’re using.
‘The consequences are, however, disproportionate, with statistics showing poor driving far more likely to lead to a fatality or severe injury.
‘The Highway Code changed last year to emphasise the additional responsibility of those in charge of larger vehicles because they were more likely to cause harm if there is a collision.
‘Cycling UK has repeatedly called for a long-term well-funded public awareness campaign by the Government to ensure that the changes are better communicated and understood, which in turn will make our roads safer for everyone.’
The amendments to the Highway Code included the creation of a hierarchy of road users based on vulnerability.
It means someone driving has more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and leaving at least 1.5 meters when overtaking a cyclist.
Several cyclists feel it is unsafe to be on busy roads, especially when driving in London. However, drivers and cyclists can be on the roads together, so long as both are considerate of the other.