BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The Department for Transport is to display ‘Think!’ road safety posters in Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Cambridge. It’s the same cycle safety poster campaign used in London earlier this year.
The number of cyclists killed in Great Britain increased from 107 in 2011 to 118 in 2012 and the DfT said the five cities chosen for the campaign were those with the highest rates of incidents involving cyclists outside of London.
The posters warn both motorists and cyclists to watch out for each other; for instance, as drivers open vehicle doors, at junctions or on narrow roads.
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said:
"The UK has some of the safest roads in the world, but a number of cyclists are still killed or seriously injured every year and we are determined to tackle this.
"This campaign aims to make motorists aware of the need to look out for cyclists, ensuring they take extra care when turning at junctions, for example, and encourages cyclists to think about the dangers that they could be unaware of when they are riding."
The poster campaign will run for four weeks and encourages visits to the cycling part of the Think! website.
This carries advice including "Give cyclists space – at least half a car’s width. If there isn’t sufficient space to pass, hold back. Remember that cyclists may need to manoeuvre suddenly if the road is poor, it’s windy or if a car door is opened."
This advice is different to that contained in the Highway Code. Rule number 163 states that motorists ought to give cyclists "at least as much space as you would give a car."
The advice for cyclists is:
Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb – look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you
Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen
Always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor
Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark increases your visibility
Follow the Highway Code including observing ‘stop’ and ‘give way’ signs and traffic lights
THINK! recommends wearing a correctly fitted cycle helmet, which is securely fastened and conforms to current regulations
