Rise in cycling prompts safety fears
Date: 09/06/2008 12:00:00
A driving group has reminded motorists of their obligations to cyclists as more people take to
two wheels to lessen the impact of rising petrol costs.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said sales of bikes are on the up, leading to high numbers
of inexperienced cyclists on the roads.
Experts at the group reminded drivers that bike riders do not have "steel armour" as car users do.
The IAM said: "Pay particular attention on roundabouts, where many accidents involving cyclists happen."
Motorists have also been warned to check their mirrors before turning at lights to avoid causing an
avoidable accident.
Ensuring passengers check behind them for cyclists before opening doors can also help to avoid an
accident, the IAM added.
The advice could help drivers reduce the chances of collisions and therefore also cut the risks of
them needing to claim on their
car insurance policies.
Around 20,000 cyclists a year are injured in accidents across the UK, according to the Independent,
with 328 killed or hurt in London in 2007.