Driving schools announce ‘cyclist awareness’ plans

Learner drivers are to be taught 'cyclist awareness'. Picture: PA

The AA Driving School and BSM have committed to ensuring that their instructors teach vital skills about sharing the road with cyclists.

Both schools are introducing a module in all driving lessons to cover the dos and don’ts of driving around bike users.

Tuition will include cycling worksheets setting out key facts about cyclists on the roads and encouraging learner drivers to think about the care, courtesy and consideration they should afford those on two wheels.

The driving schools hope the move will eliminate the “tribal us-and-them attitude” of some motorists and cyclists, and radically reduce the number of people on bicycles who are killed or injured on the UK’s roads.

Last year, cycling deaths hit a five-year high, with 122 killed in Britain, including three in Edinburgh and 14 in London.

Announcing the initiative, AA president Edmund King said: “I am personally committed to breaking down the ‘two-tribes’ attitude displayed between some drivers and cyclists. I am convinced that this initiative will change attitudes and save lives.”

BSM head Mark Peacock added: “It can be intimidating and confusing for learners the first few times they come across a cyclist. Understanding why cyclists behave in certain ways, such as avoiding potholes or how they are affected in strong winds, is key to being safe around them.”

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond said: “I welcome this new initiative from the AA and BSM to improve the safety of cyclists on our roads.

“The Driving Standards Agency publishes guidance for all motorists on how to be considerate towards cyclists and the driving test also contains questions on cycle awareness.

“Anything that improves the safety of cyclists is to be welcomed, and it is great to see driving schools taking the initiative to build on what is already in the driving syllabus.”

The move was also welcomed by Cycling Scotland, a charity funded by national government agency, Transport Scotland, which is launching a “mutual respect” campaign later this year, to improve relations between drivers and cyclists north of the Border.

Ian Aitken, chief executive at Cycling Scotland, said: “Research carried out for our campaign revealed that many drivers are simply unsure of the correct way to pass cyclists.”

In 2010, the Scottish Government launched its Cycling Action Plan for Scotland, setting a target of ensuring that one in ten journeys in Scotland will be made by bicycle by 2020.

While longer-term rates have been falling, the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads has risen in recent years.

Recent statistics reveal that between 2004 and 2008, the average number of cyclists killed or seriously hurt was 143 per year. From 2007 to 2011, that number rose to 156 on average annually.