A new campaign calling on drivers in Manchester to play their part in ensuring cyclists are kept safe from harm.
The ‘See The Rider Not The Bike’ campaign uses images of people going about everyday journeys and reminds motorists of the requirement for them to leave at least a 1.5-metre gap when overtaking at 30mph, or a bigger gap at higher speeds.
The campaign has been devised by Safer Roads Greater Manchester, who points to research that shows people see the behaviour of other road users as the biggest barrier to cycling regularly, notably close passing and inattentive driving.
Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Being able to choose to ride to the shops, school or work shouldn’t need to come with a side helping of bravery because you are afraid a driver may frighten you by not giving you enough space.
“Like all road users, people riding bikes are just everyday people using the road for everyday trips.
“I particularly like the See The Rider Not The Bike campaign because it focuses on the human side of making a journey by bike and is a call to action for drivers to play their part in ensuring more trips by bike are enjoyable and free from the fear of being involved in a near miss or collision.”
In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated and now states that motorists should leave at least a 1.5-metre gap when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph – and even more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
If it is not possible to meet this safe passing distance, drivers are told to wait behind the cyclist and not overtake them until it’s safe to do so. Drivers also need to look ahead and be aware of people travelling in the opposite direction when overtaking.
The rules seek to improve the safety of all road users, with a hierarchy of road users being clearly defined with those most at risk in the event of a collision placed at the top of the scale.
Good to see that the cyclists portrayed are cycling on the carriageway. Locally, this no longer seems to be the case. Cyclists have taken over the footways and footpaths, making life, at the very least, uncomfortable for pedestrians. No-one seems to be enforcing Rule 64 of the Highway Code. Why not? It’s surely the simplest Rule in the book. Time for a campaign aimed at restoring the comfort and safety of our pedestrians? Or are cyclists to get away with their contempt for the needs of pedestrians, with their wide range of disabilities. “Ring your bell”, indeed. What nonsense.
Fraser Andrew, STIRLING, UK
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