Cyclists scared off the road by drivers, warns Lancing bike manufacturer
Dom Mason, from Mason's Cycles, says more and more customers are looking to switch terrain - as over half of drivers admit not knowing rules
A Lancing Bike shop owner's telling us cyclists cyclists are being scared off the road by drivers, as new research sees half of us admit we're unaware of what to do if we see one.
58% of drivers are unaware of the Highway Code rule to leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking them at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, according to road safety charity IAM Roadsmart.
Dom Mason, who runs bike manufacturer Mason's Cycles, said he has customers looking to switch terrains:
"Because we do adventure bikes, they come to us and say I'm a bit tired of the roads.
"It's a bit overcrowded. These are experienced riders, it's not they're not new riders.
"We do tend to notice that the roads are getting crowded and may be intimidating for people."
He continued to explain that people don't want to "mess with cars anymore", but added for some, such as commuters, it can be difficult to quit the road altogether.
"Mutual repsect" needed between drivers and cyclists
He suggested that drivers should be better equipped with information, so they can reach a common ground with cyclists:
"The cyclists might blame the driver and the driver might blame the cyclist, but getting the the information out there and making it clear so everyone knows the information is so, so important.
"That mutual respect is really the most important thing. And that will only come when people have the correct information and understand each other."
Campaign aims to stop close passes
Since, IAM RoadSmart has launched a No More Close Calls campaign aimed at eradicating close passes.
Harriet Hernando, their active travel spokeswoman, said:
"When overtaking a cyclist, always look beyond them to judge your ability to get past safely, leaving at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
"By hanging back two or three car lengths, you'll be able to see further up the road and look out for oncoming traffic.
"If it isn't safe to overtake then don't try and squeeze past - shaving seconds off your journey isn't worth taking someone's life."