Top safety tips for driving around cyclists
As soon as they get behind the wheel some drivers seem to think they’re the only person on the road — but they shouldn’t. Being aware of other road users is essential to safe driving, particularly with an ever-rising number of cyclists.
Cyclists and drivers can coexist peacefully, but all drivers need to keep their end of the bargain and follow these easy tips to help keep cyclists safe.
Check your surroundings
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times when you’re behind the wheel, particularly when cyclists are involved.
Keep checking your mirrors and blind spots and be aware that cyclists will move through stationary traffic if you’re stuck in a jam.
Give some space
For everyone’s safety, it’s always important to leave a bit of space between you and other road users.
This is especially important when passing cyclists, when you should leave at least 1.5m of space.
Leave space at junctions, too – In most circumstances it’s against the law to enter cycle boxes, but even if there isn’t one you should still hang back from cyclists.
Signal
Cyclists need to know where you’re going so they can react accordingly, so keep them in the loop.
Using indicators, slowing down using the brake pedal, and even putting on your hazards if necessary are all simple ways to let all other road users know what’s going on.
Freshen up on road rules
Although it might be some time since you read the Highway Code (it’s not exactly bed-time reading), knowing the rules of the road is helpful for avoiding any unwanted incidents.
Motorists should refamiliarise themselves with tips for driving around cyclists, and should take note of the rules for bikers, too, because it’s never a bad idea to know the rules inside out.
Be polite
Driving can be physically and emotionally draining at times, but it’s important that you don’t take out any stresses on others, particularly more vulnerable road users like cyclists.
Treat cyclists as you’d want to be treated yourself, and remember that all road users are simply trying to get to their destination safely, just like you.
It might be Road Safety Week, but that doesn’t mean we don’t advocate road safety all year round. Check out our Hub of all things Road Safety and make sure you’re in the know.
