Drivers Verses Cyclist

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Blog Drivers Vs Cyclists

Cycling around is not only fit and good for the health but it’s also a cheap way of getting around, and it also helps the environment. There are many people already who prefer to ride a bike than drive or take public transport.  However, the majority of people would rather drive or take public transport. Some people do want to ride a bike but surveys have shown they are terrified of the drivers and cyclist relationship.

Often driving or even riding a bike it can be stressful. Traffic and other road users can have a big impact on our attitude and somethings at no fault of our own, it can put us and other road users in dangers. Here are some pointers which can help both driver and cyclist build a safe relationship on the road.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 1

Drivers can easily forget the protection they have when sitting inside a vehicle. Cyclists, unfortunately, don’t have the same protections, so any minimal contact can be a serious injury to the cyclists. Think each cyclist has they own bubble, try not to pop it. For the purpose of the practical driving test, examiner expects the driver to leave cyclist ideally 2 meters of distance.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 2

At night, Cyclists do need to remember to be visible, wear high vis clothing and having the appropriate lights. Drivers can find it difficult to see cyclists at night. It is also advisable for drivers to be more alert in the evenings for other road users who may be not easily visible.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 3

Drivers do often get upset when cyclists fail to respect the roads rules and regulations. For example, ignoring traffic lights or going the wrong way on a one-way road. The Highway Code has been designed for everyone, road users, cyclists and pedestrians. The Highway code should be learnt by everyone and respected by all road users, failing to do so can be risky and unsafe for other road users.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 4

It can difficult to predict what road users are going to do. Giving enough notice, following the signs and directions and positioning correctly can help all road users be safer on the road.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 5

The cyclist also tends to forget, that all drivers sometimes find it difficult to see cyclists or understand the intentions. Small things like wearing a high vis when dark, avoid being blind spots of vehicles and display any directions intending to take as early as possible.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 6

Overtaking cyclists can be very dangerous for cyclists. The driver does need to consider the following the cyclist may wobble due to a number of factors. This may include wind gust,  Lack of room as overtaking, wet drain and uneven road surface.

Drivers Verses Cyclist – Point 7 

Been in the comfort of their vehicle. Drivers often forget the factors which affect a cyclist as a vehicle does overtake it. Other factors, a driver needs to consider are Cyclists increase speed as going downhill and are likely to be slower as going uphill.  Cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane to avoid, parked cars, car doors being opened, potholes, gravel and changing direction.

Drivers Verses Cyclist -Point 8 

Driver do need to realise, they are in a safe bubble and cyclists are not, and likely wise cyclists do need have consideration for the driver. Every road users have a loved one waiting for them to get home safely, while others you have had a long day just want to be in their comfort zone. Being safe and consider to all road users, would make the road safer and everyone would be able to get home safely.

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