Cyclists call for more action to change driver attitudes
A charity campaign warns of the potential consequences for drivers passing close to bikes – but while cyclists welcome the initiative, some feel more needs to be done.
As part of it’s Give Cycle Space launch, Cycling Scotland revealed almost three quarters of Scots surveyed did not realise they could face three penalty points and a fine for the offence.
But Keith Clark, a cycling enthusiast who runs a bike repair company in Lanarkshire, does not find these results surprising.
The 47 year old says while the threat of penalties may make some headway, it will take more than the threat of points on a licence to change the frightening attitude of some drivers.
He said: “Two weeks ago, when I was cycling in a group, a passenger in a van rolled down their window and spat at me.
“He then swayed towards us, attempting to knock us off our bikes, shouting that we shouldn’t be on the road as we ‘don’t pay tax’.
“And on another occasion a car passenger leaned out of the window and tried to push me off my bike as I was not in the cycle lane.
“Cycle lanes are problematic as road sweepers sweep lots of debris into the lanes and the road bike tyres can’t cope with the stones easily.
“But if cyclists don’t use them it infuriates drivers as they don’t understand, but it doesn’t excuse their behaviour.”
While Keith says these situations are less common than cases of cars getting too close, he says a general lack of cyclist awareness amongst drivers is widespread.
One particular issue he feels is the prevalence of electronic devices being used behind the wheel.
He said: “I’ve had friends in luminous hi viz who have been knocked off by people using phones.
“And the rural roads are really bad where people think they will never get caught.
“I’ve seen it myself, drivers texting or on phones and at the last minute they look up and swerve.
Although The Highway Code lays out the rules for overtaking, Norman Armstrong, managing director of Free Wheel North cycling centre in Glasgow, says that he also experiences close passes daily when cycling in Glasgow.
He said: “When people want to get somewhere fast, pedestrians and cyclists are just seen as an obstacle in their way, and some would rather risk someone’s life that take time and go a bit slower.”
The cycling centre manager thinks that drivers need to see the road from a cyclist perspective.
He suggests: “It should be part of the driving test that people should have to cycle as part of the driving test.
“They would be very likely to experience a close pass themselves and they would be able to understand the impact of what its like.”
To help combat the problem Police Scotland operate a nationwide initiative, Operation Close Pass.
Plain-clothes police officers, cycling with a camera on their their bike, will radio ahead to colleagues who pull over the motorist and talk to them about their driving.
Inspector Andrew Thomson said: “Officers from Scotland will be working hard to raise awareness of this offence and encourage all road users to use the road with respect for others.”
Cycling Scotland’s cycling road safety campaign can be found here.
Driving too close to people cycling is an offence and can result in 3 points on your licence. We launch our new #givecyclespace campaign today. RT to support. pic.twitter.com/sB9F1a5ivT
— Cycling Scotland (@CyclingScotland) May 7, 2019
Feature image : CTS
