NEWS
THE INSTRUCTOR
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www.ukdic.co.uk
UK's top driving schools
support cycle awareness
Learner drivers are to be taught greater levels
of `cyclist awareness'. A new module will be
introduced to all driving lessons to cover the do's
and don'ts of driving around cycle users.
The announcement also made it clear that the
UK's two biggest driving schools will support
the new module. The AA Driving School and
BSM have committed to ensuring that their
instructors teach vital skills about sharing the
road with cyclists.
Tuition by the two driving schools 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
radically reduce the number of people on
bicycles who are killed or injured on the UK's
roads by careless drivers, as well as uniting the
two forms of transport.
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."
Mark Peacock, head of BSM 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
commented: "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."
Department for Transport's statistics show that:
· The number of pedal cyclists killed fell by 4%
from 111 in 2010 to 107 in 2011.
· The total number of casualties reported
to the police as seriously injured in a road
accident increased by 16% to 3,085, total
reported casualties among pedal cyclists
also rose, by 12%, compared to 2010 - pedal
cyclist traffic levels are estimated to have
risen by 2.2% over the same period
· 92% of reported cyclists killed or seriously
injured (KSI) occurred in accidents involving
another vehicle (usually a car).
· The most common contributory factor to
accidents involving cyclists and drivers
recorded by police officers at the accident
scene is that one or both participants `looked
but failed to see'
The AA Driving School and BSM commit to better instruction in teaching learners the vital
skills about sharing the road with cyclists.
On the road: Drivers and cyclists need more
awareness of one another