Many Eastbourne drivers ‘bullying by mistake’

Many drivers are “bullying by mistake”, with decades-old incorrect knowledge of the Highway Code. Cycling on roads feels dangerous to 62 per cent of UK adults when surveyed. This is mostly due to drivers not realising how their driving behaviour contributes to a sense of danger. Each of us could try harder. Driving too close to cyclists should be seen as socially unacceptable, like failing to clean up after your dog.

“Give as much room as you would give a car,” is the Highway Code’s advice on overtaking cyclists. Vehicles must pass no closer than 1.5 metres at speeds of up to 30mph, and two metres in faster traffic. If there is not enough room to overtake, don’t, especially if there is oncoming traffic. Just hang back - it will not delay you by much. The Highway Code and cycle training schemes encourage cyclists to “take the lane”, to ride away from the kerb, especially where there is not enough room to be overtaken. It also allows cyclists to ride two abreast, to go to the left of a line of slow-moving traffic and states they do not have to use cycle lanes – they should be respected as a vehicle. Hooting at cyclists or driving “aggressively” is forbidden. Junctions are places to be especially vigilant. When opening car doors be aware that cyclists may be passing. Consider opening the driver’s door with your left hand – the “Dutch reach”, which forces you to look over your shoulder.

Why is this important? During lockdown roads were largely traffic-free and many people enjoyed cycling or walking along them. Now, as lockdown eases, congestion, traffic, delays and pollution are getting worse, compounded by an understandable urge to avoid public transport. Converting a trip from car to walking or cycling is known as “modal shift”. Even 10 per cent modal shift reduces congestion, pollution, travel time and parking places for motorists. The biggest factor that puts people off cycling is the fear of danger. Sometimes just one “near miss” frightens a novice cyclist. Most trips are less than five miles, which are easily cyclable. Electric bikes have made distances and hills much easier. People using electric cycles who are less fit, older or disabled reduce their car use considerably and increase their fitness. People who cycle regularly reduce their risk of: depression, bowel cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and dementia by around 30 per cent. Regular exercise also treats these and other conditions. The health benefits of cycling outweigh any risks by 10:1.

The Government has provided funding for ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes. People should still contact their local councillor to request these. But a change of mind-set is just as important. Many drivers do not realise how dangerous their manoeuvres are. Drivers should respect cyclists and other vulnerable road users as bone fide road users. We can change the mind-set. We just need everyone to start now. An urgent public information campaign is needed, including refresher courses for road users.

More reading:

• AA – cyclists and drivers sharing the road https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/cyclists-and-drivers-sharing-the-road

• The Dutch reach https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/dutch-reach

• Cycling UK – getting started cycling https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/top-ten-tips-for-cycling-in-traffic