Cheeky Think Bikes video from AA goes global

Last year the AA rolled out a road safety video featuring a naked cyclist in order to encourage motorists to "think bike". It has had 269,000 views on YouTube. It will be now rolled out globally by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the motoring organisation with 111 clubs around the world.

AA patrol Tony Rich developed the idea following death of family friend, and the AA Charitable Trust launched the campaign last March. The project was spearheaded by AA president Edmund King, a weekend mountain biker and a frequent cycle commuter.

King, who is also a director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: "We are proud of how well received the campaign has been in its first year and are delighted by this latest development.

"The original idea for the campaign came from one of our patrols, following the death of a family friend on a motorbike, and its goal has always been to reach the greatest number possible to improve the safety of cyclists and bikers.

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FIA regional director general Jacob Bangsgaard said: "The AA’s Think Bikes campaign was a playful, but also important reminder, that drivers must keep vulnerable road users in mind.

"We will encourage our members in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to raise awareness about this vital road safety message."

Another component of the Think Bikes campaign involved the provision of millions of free wing mirror stickers. The stickers were designed to be placed on wing mirrors as a reminder to do a double take for cyclists and bikers.

The Think Bikes video was awarded the FIA’s Region I Innovation Award late last year, and had earlier been nominated for the Cycling Media Awards. It also won the prestigious ACFO Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year award.