The AA is calling on drivers to be more alert and always ‘think bikes’, on the back of a new survey in which 89% of respondents agreed ‘it’s sometimes hard to see cyclists’.
The survey has been published to mark 10 years of the AA’s ‘Think Bikes’ initiative.
The original AA Charitable Trust campaign encouraged drivers to place small stickers on their side mirrors to remind them to look out for those on two wheels.
The campaign has won numerous awards including the FIA Innovation Award and has been replicated in 24 countries across the globe.
The AA and supporters say the campaign is as relevant today as it was ten years ago so it will continue.
The survey also found that 37% respondents say they get nervous when overtaking cyclists with younger drivers (53%) more nervous than older drivers (38%).
In addition, 95% said that cyclists were vulnerable, and they always give them extra space.
In terms of attitudes between cyclists and drivers, 15% of respondents said they’d lost their temper and used hand signals towards a cyclist and 20% said they’d been on the receiving end of this type of behaviour.
The AA points out that drivers are often cyclists and most adult cyclists are also drivers.
Edmund King, director of The AA Charitable Trust, said: “The survey shows that 89% of drivers agreed that it is ‘hard to see cyclists’ but it shouldn’t be if they look in the right places and think bikes.
“It is now 10 years since we launched our Think Bike sticker campaign. But unfortunately, the message is still as relevant today as it was a decade ago.
“Cycles and motorcycles make up just 2.75% of miles travelled compared to cars but account for more than one quarter of road deaths. This is why it is essential to spread the message again to all drivers to think bikes.”
Government statistics released last September reveal that in 2022, 91 cyclists (down 20% on 2014 figures), and 350 motorcyclists (up 5% on 2014) were killed on the roads.
The campaign is backed by Jeremy Vine, broadcaster and cyclist, who said: “I’m so pleased that the AA is doing this because, if you’re on two wheels, you do feel quite vulnerable.
“And I always think when you’re in a car and I drive too, you don’t always see that that person on the bicycle is a mum, a sister, somebody’s son, someone’s grandfather, maybe even their great grandfather. So, thank you AA for thinking bike.”
The AA is roughly on the right track. But we all really need to be aware of this (and cut out the blame game):
https://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/
Fraser Andrew, STIRLING
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I don’t quite get this, Mike. With one breath you seem to be saying that regardless of how obvious a cyclist might be it makes little difference and that it is purely the responsibility of drivers to look out for them. You also seem to be saying that people should be responsible for their own safety, which is fair enough and should be.
There is no actual suggestion of forcing cyclists to use hi-viz but those in dark or black clothing easily get lost in low light or shadow conditions, so they are their own worst enemy. And no matter how alert a driver might be it can still be very difficult to discern a cyclist effectively in camouflaged conditions. So, for me, if they don’t make the effort to be suitably conspicuous and get hit I am afraid they will get little sympathy from me. And I am a cyclist as well.
Nigel ALBRIGHT, Taunton
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As far as forcing all cyclists to wear Hi-Viz, I suggest that cyclists assume that drivers won’t see you whether you are decked out like an Xmas tree or all in black. Afterall, “The survey shows that 89% of drivers agreed that it is ‘hard to see cyclists’ but it shouldn’t be if they look in the right places and think bikes”. Protect yourself at all times.
Mike Motteram, Ipswich
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Yes, drivers (and riders) need to be highly aware of cyclists and motorcyclists but similarly get them to use hi-viz. That’s half the problem. It is also a general malaise that most (even a lot of motorcyclists – and I can think of one current TV motorcyclist in particular ) who go alone with their brains half engaged. No wonder they either don’t see or aren’t aware of things. AA please address the whole picture.
Nigel ALBRIGHT, Taunton
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