What do car drivers really think about giving cyclists more room on the roads?

What do car drivers really think about giving cyclists more room on the roads?

What do car drivers really think about giving cyclists more room on the roads?

 

Cyclists and drivers have long held a reputation for not being particularly tolerant of one another. Even though cyclists are more at risk of accident and injury, it is not uncommon to see drivers shouting at cyclists and vice-versa – road rage incidents are plentiful in this area.

 

Some car drivers will argue that whilst they have to obey road rules comprehensively, some cyclists continuously flout these rules and can often cycle in a manner which puts their life and other road users lives at risk. A common complaint by drivers is that cyclists often undertake them which is highly risky particularly if a car is turning left. Many cycling deaths have been attributed to lorry deaths, where cyclists have been killed by left turning lorries.

 

Whilst some drivers believe that more should be done to protect cyclists, including giving them more room on the roads, others are adamant that the roads are no place for cyclists and appear unwilling to compromise. There has been a programme to improve and update cycling lanes across the country and this may have helped to mitigate issues which drivers frequently find annoying. However, many drivers are not particularly receptive to sharing the road with cyclists and are resentful that cycling lanes are now causing traffic jams because roads have been reduced to accommodate them.

 

One particular issue that drivers frequently report, is cyclists not adhering to any road rules and an expectation of right of way. Bus drivers in bigger cities often become nervous with cyclists on the roads, particularly by those who are constantly vying for space on commonly shared bus lanes. Much of the grievance from drivers’ centres around a common courtesy approach, or a lack of it in their majority view. Car drivers believe that cyclists should have more stringent road rules, including speed limits in certain areas. There has been a recent clamp down on cyclists who ride dangerously by the Police, however many drivers do not feel that this is adequate and are insisting on stronger measures.

 

 

The Cyclist’s Viewpoint

 

Cyclists believe that whilst many drivers can be courteous and considerate, there are those who drive dangerously and without due consideration to other road users. Cyclists will always be more vulnerable than drivers and naturally, some cyclists feel nervous on the roads.

 

Many cyclists who do cycle in a courteous manner and obey road rules often complain that drivers still abuse them. This indicates a lack of tolerance and an unwillingness to accept that cyclists are just as entitled to use the roads. Now that new laws are in place to allow cyclists more room, it will be interesting to see how drivers react and whether accidents involving cyclists will decrease.

 

The fact remains that drivers and cyclists are both entitled to use the roads and that consideration from both sides is imperative in order to make the roads as safe as possible.

One Call Accident management are accident claim management company who can assist you with your accident claim, we work closely with expert injury solicitors based in Birmingham and national who will guide you through the entire process of making a personal injury claim and getting you with the right amount of compensation that you deserve. if you have been involved in a car accident and want to enquire about making a claim, please give us a call on 0800 999 4042.
 

 

SHARE