Sharing Road Space: Drivers and Cyclists as Equal Road Users

[HJ]

I find these research findings interesting, and rather sad. Point four is particularly relevant to some of the discussions which have been held of this forum.

 

[HJ]

Just found more, here is an executive summery and here is the full report.

 

[hackbike 666]

Can't say im surprised in the least.

 

[HJ]

Reading the full report I thought this bit is worth quoting here:

9.2 KEY MESSAGES FOR CYCLISTS

Four key messages for cyclists were suggested by respondents and these relate, in the main,
to issues surrounding road safety and cycling behaviour.
First, a need for cyclists to adhere to the laws of the road. Many cyclists and non-cyclists claimed that cyclists will not be taken seriously as road users until such time as they show a regard for the regulations surrounding road use and a full regard for the rights of other road users. Unless cyclists are seen to be respecting the road and the rights of other road users, the rights of the cyclists will not be respected by other groups. Related to this, a need was defined for cyclists to follow the safety code both in terms of cycling behaviour and ensuring the road worthiness of their bicycle.

Third, and in relation to road sharing habits, we noted earlier that cyclists are expected to understand the needs of other road users and many respondents cited a need for cyclists to give way to other road users where appropriate to do so. Fourth, and related to this, a need was defined for cyclists to learn how to cycle in current road conditions and to be competent in their use of the roads.

9.3 KEY MESSAGES FOR DRIVERS

In line with messages for cyclists, messages to drivers included safety elements as well as a need for an increased awareness of cyclists as road users. Cyclists would like drivers to recognise the role of cycling and to accept it as a sensible means of travel for both health and environmental benefits. There is a desire for a greater awareness of the vulnerability of cyclists in terms of blind spots, at road turnings and junctions. This is allied to a need for drivers to be sympathetic towards cyclists in terms of accepting that they are different from other road users and that a more considerate and tolerant driving behaviour is required.

As such, there was a general view expressed by cyclists that drivers need to be made more aware of cycling hazards in terms of the weather, the condition of roads and other road users. The following quotation illustrates the dangers of cycling in terms of heavy traffic and bad weather conditions.

“I am worried about myself. Lots of people in London got killed by big lorries. When they go past they make the bike unsteady, plus you have got the added disadvantage of the bit where you are cycling is really in bad condition. There are lots of potholes and you can get quite unstable there. For example, the other night when I cycled home, it was raining pretty hard. Well, if there is a pothole under the water you wouldn’t be able to see it …. You are so vulnerable when large traffic goes past.”

(Cyclist, Aberdeen)​

As there was a general lack of awareness of the specific nature of the current cycling policies on the part of either Aberdeen or Edinburgh Councils, it is perhaps not surprising that there was a perceived need for drivers to understand these. These policies will be more acceptable if they are expressed in terms of the benefits for other road users as well as the general public.

 

[hackbike 666]

I've always thought that if you want to be treated like traffic you should behave like traffic.

I.E Using your mobile/speeding/driving up pavements/reading/eating/drinking/being drunk/drugs/driving through reds.

(Not really)...Basically I mean paying attention to the laws of the road.

 

[col]

The reality is I think that we will never be treat like traffic the same as cars. To think we will is unrealistic. We are the slower and smaller and will always be treat that way. The trick is to adapt to it and not try to force our wishes on to other vehicles. Its more enjoyable and relaxing that way.

 

[bonj2]

The reality is I think that we will never be treat like traffic the same as cars. To think we will is unrealistic. We are the slower and smaller and will always be treat that way. The trick is to adapt to it and not try to force our wishes on to other vehicles. Its more enjoyable and relaxing that way.

yep, completely agree. The militance of a few forms most of the bad habits that turn drivers opinions against cyclists.

 

[col]

yep, completely agree. The militance of a few forms most of the bad habits that turn drivers opinions against cyclists.

It does more harm than good, even though its just a drop in the ocean, and in the whole scheme of things isnt going to change much at all. I think Ill walk in the middle of a cycle track,they can wait till a better surfaced path for me is available, AND I have an escape route if needed with being in the middle.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Who was it that said "Education, Education, Education"?

 

[col]

Who was it that said "Education, Education, Education"?

Thats the only real way to get the word out, at school and also being part of the driving test too. And until that happens the ones who take it upon themselves to be the cyclists police of right on the road are just in for a hard time.
Unless of course hundreds of cyclist meet up regularly and do a cycle slow blocking the roads and getting the news media to attend and giving the reasons why, at least that might make a little difference to peoples realisation of what they do? But a handfull of individuals doing their own thing isnt going to do anything to help.

 

[magnatom]

Who was it that said "Education, Education, Education"?

Some here would suggest it should be changed to 'Capitulation, Capitulation, Capitulation'

I don't have time to read the report just now, but I will peruse it later. Thanks HJ.

 

[John the Monkey]

The driver part reads like the usual "Behave yourselves, or we feel free to run you over" tosh that gets parroted in various forms every so often.

The notion that cyclists are treated poorly because they don't obey the rules of the road is a flawed one - for a start, very few British drivers seem to know what the rules of the road are (as evidenced by what they shout, at least). Secondly, I've been cut up, overtaken poorly etc by people who have SEEN me stop at red, give way to pedestrians &c.

 

[HJ]

The reality is I think that we will never be treat like traffic the same as cars. To think we will is unrealistic. We are the slower and smaller and will always be treat that way. The trick is to adapt to it and not try to force our wishes on to other vehicles. Its more enjoyable and relaxing that way.

We all have an equal right to use the road, using whichever way in which choose to use it.

Who was it that said "Education, Education, Education"?

Aye, and just look how much good it did

 

[col]

We all have an equal right to use the road, using whichever way in which choose to use it.



Aye, and just look how much good it did

I do agree, but its the reality of what its like on the roads I was meaning.

 

[jimboalee]

yep, completely agree. The militance of a few forms most of the bad habits that turn drivers opinions against cyclists.

The name "Jeremy Clarkson" springs to mind - spit, spit