I think the problem is drivers don’t know how to share the road with cyclists. When I was learning to driver I never saw any, and people could have been driving for a while without ever having to deal with them. Their minds are stuck to a mindset where cyclists should not be there as this is what they are used to. When I talk to non-cyclists they say cyclists are a nuisance. Maybe more should be done early on. I would love a run of TV adverts running showing “how to pass a cyclists”, “look for cyclists on roundabouts”, or “cyclist maybe travelling faster than you think”. That type of stuff.
This.
I've noticed that on my old commute down the Old Kent Road, drivers were a lot more aware and more comfortable around cyclists and I put this down to the sheer numbers they had to cope with.
On my new commue, where the only cyclists I tend to see are crossing my path on the main routes (like the A21), I find I get more close passes and more beeps questioning my road positioning that I ever got on the OKR. I put this down to drivers on my new route being so used to not seeing cyclists and whilst this is no excuse, a bit of re-education may be helpful.
Just had a conversation with a guy at work about road tax etc. Pointed out it doesn't exist etc. Pointed out that I have the right to use the whole lane (response: "Yes the cycle lane") . His main issue seemed to be the riders in the gutter that suddenly swerve out ("Fair point, said I, "they shouldn't be in the gutter in the first place and you should get used to them being in front of you".) He was a bit shocked when I said that a motorist overtaking me should be at least straddling the white line and preferably further over. He did seem to take my points on board for a think later.
