According to new findings, 21% of drivers admitted to having a near miss with a cyclist in the past year. Nearly four-fifths (79%) believe cyclists are at high risk on the roads, and over half (56%) feel uneasy when driving alongside them.
The research from cycling insurance specialist Cycleplan has highlighted the challenges faced by both cyclists and drivers when sharing the road.
Frustration and Unease
Almost a third (28%) of drivers said they had expressed frustration towards cyclists by honking, shouting, or gesturing. A quarter (24%) admitted to taking risks to pass cyclists quickly. Two in five drivers (38%) even stated that cyclists should not be on the road at all.
Cycleplan noted younger drivers were the most nervous around cyclists, with 53% of Gen-Z respondents citing this, compared with 50% of those aged 55+.
Regional Differences
Cities varied significantly in how drivers responded to cyclists. Belfast emerged as the most hostile, while Newcastle was the most welcoming.
Rank Most Frustrated Cities % of Drivers Expressing Frustration 1 Belfast 66% 2 Southampton 59% 3 Nottingham 56%
By contrast, Newcastle (35%), Liverpool (42%), and Edinburgh (43%) were among the friendliest.
Support for Better Infrastructure
Despite frustrations, the research found strong support for improved cycling facilities. Over two-thirds (67%) of drivers want more bike lanes in their area, and 55% agree that infrastructure improves safety for all road users. Sheffield topped the list, with 84% of drivers backing new cycling routes.
Sharing the Road Safely
Alan Thomas at Cycleplan commented: “Our research highlights drivers’ perception of cyclists and how vulnerable they are on roads. Some drivers feel nervous sharing the road with cyclists; however, it’s encouraging to see that most have the knowledge to act responsibly. There is a need for better education and investment in cycling infrastructure to ensure the safety of drivers and cyclists on the roads.”
Guidance from Cycleplan stresses that drivers should allow at least 1.5m when overtaking at speeds up to 30mph, check mirrors and blind spots regularly, and be patient with cyclists who may need to swerve to avoid hazards. Cyclists are also reminded to wear reflective clothing, use lights, and follow the Highway Code.
2 thoughts on “One in Five Drivers Report Near Miss with Cyclists, Survey Reveals”
In the new Highway Code, cyclists are not obliged to use cycle paths, even when they are well designed and maintained. Therefore, there they are gumming up the traffic and irritating drivers.
Then we must look at how cycles and indeed the hateful and largely illegal e scooters are ridden. Most do not stop for red lights or crossings and are frequently used on the pavement and at night, do not have lights. There are plenty of drivers who behave poorly around cyclists but then there is no shortage of crazy two wheelers either.
We must also look at some of the new cycle paths crossing roads. These new lanes give cyclists right of way but little thought has been given to visibility. There is one of these lanes locally that emerges from behind a high hedge, across the pavement and onto the crossing. The distance between the hedge and the roadway is about a car’s length. At 20 mph, a vehicle is covering two car lengths a second. Thus there is half a second’s notice before contact is made. The average reaction time is half a second. The only unknown is how badly the car will be damaged and what injuries the cyclist will sustain.
This whole thrust of law changing ignores one simple fact. In a collision between a vehcile and a cyclist, the cycliest will ALWAYS come second. Put bluntly, my car can be fixed or replaced. Even if jailed, I will soon be free but the cyclist’s life sentence in a wheelchair can never be commuted.
Thiks is the lesson and message that needs to go out to two wheelers. It is of course incumbent for drivers to be cautious and courteous but two wheelers really must join in because they have so much more to lose.
I would be interested in reading the actual questions asked of the drivers and how many drivers – in total – completed the survey.
As a driver and a cyclist, I see both good and bad in all road users but accept cyclists are more vulnerable than drivers. I would however request that cyclists abide by the Highway Code – stop at red lights, use cycle routes where provided, wear brighter clothing, switch on lights when visibility is reduced (not just at night, but maybe when raining), remember that vehicles have blindspots and many other areas we all can think of.
The most important comment, we must all consider others when using using the public highway