The Road

As a car driver of 25 years and a cyclist, I feel reasonably qualified to advise on how to deal with cyclists encountered on the road. And I'm sure the Highway Code will back me up. First of all, I would like to state I am not one of those cyclists who goes through red lights and terrorises pedestrians. I do not think such behaviour is acceptable or even necessary. I am delighted that cycling is on the increase- motorists may "moan" about cyclists but if there are more people on their bikes, there are less people in cars etc.

The vast majority of motorists, I find, are considerate to cyclists but there are a lot of motorists who are not and who "assume" too much.

1) Cyclists need more room than you think. In wet or windy conditions, cyclists need to avoid puddles. This is not so they don't get their bike wet; the puddle may be hiding a large pothole. Road edges tend to be pretty rough places, especially if your tyres are 23mm in width. Be aware that in windy weather or at speed (cyclist), a cyclist may not hear you. Use your horn- gently!

2) Cyclists may be going faster than you think. I have had cars etc. overtake me (with oncoming traffic) not realising I am travelling at 25-30mph. Overtaking car realises he/she is running out of room and makes sharp move back towards ......me!

3) Overtaking. It is okay to pass a cyclist giving minimal room- as long as you are crawling past. Driving past at 80mph is NOT okay. Cutting in is NOT okay.

4) Coming towards a cyclist on a narrow country road. Please slow down. Cyclists are entitled to "half" the road, are "other road users" and therefore need to be "considered".

5) A friendly wave from a cyclist means "Thank you for not scaring/ killing me". Other signals may mean something else!