Research

Main Findings

When priorities are assigned to different types of road user, those types of transport offering a public service are perceived, by both drivers and cyclists, to have greatest priority on the road.
Although cyclists are thought to be very vulnerable road users, they are not generally considered by drivers to deserve priority on the road. Drivers who do also cycle, however, show greater tolerance towards cyclists.
Drivers are supportive of cycle use in bus lanes, but less so of other aspects of cycling provision such as special cycle lanes, advanced stop lines and filter lanes.
Poor perceptions of cyclists generally are often based on the bad habits of a few. In contrast, although cyclists attributed poor driving to a minority of bad drivers, in general they had a fairly good perception of drivers.
Drivers felt that the costs of special provision for cyclists were too high in relation to their needs.
Only those respondents who are "professional" drivers have been made aware to any extent of changes in road provision to accommodate cyclists. The research concluded there was a need for fresh educational and/or information campaigns.
Respondents acknowledged the need for a change in attitudes to help foster more positive road sharing habits. They conceded that growth in cycling would be limited without greater acceptance of cyclists by other road users.