UK drivers ‘failing to grasp cycling rules’

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Thu, 20 Feb 2025

More than 3 in 4 drivers do not correctly understand Highway Code rules around cyclists, new research has revealed.

The study of more than 2000 drivers tested both their knowledge of their rules, along with their attitudes and feelings towards cyclists.

It revealed that the majority of drivers are becoming enraged by the actions of cyclists who are acting perfectly within the law.

Half of motorists, for example, incorrectly said cyclists are not allowed to take up a whole lane. The Highway Code says they can, in order to improve visibility and safety.

Similarly, although ‘taking the lane’ is a valid cycling position, two thirds of drivers wrongly believe cyclists must always stay as far left as possible.

Meanwhile 53% wrongly believe cyclists must always ride in single file, despite the the Highway Code allowing them to ride two abreast for safety.

And 77% assume cyclists must always use a cycle lane when one is available. In reality, the Highway Code permits cyclists to choose whether or not to use them.

The survey also found that 3 in 4 drivers admit they feel frustrated when sharing the road with a cyclists, while 1 in 3 believe cyclists shouldn’t have equal rights on the road.

"Drivers can often get frustrated with cyclists," says Matt Clamp from Scrap Car Comparison, which commissioned the study.

"However, all drivers need to remember that cyclists have the right to use the road as much as car owners. By both parties being understanding of the rules of the road, we would hope that tensions ease and more save driving practices are adopted by both parties."

The survey also drew together a list of the least cycling-friendly cities in the UK. This used local drivers’ knowledge, frustration, attitude other factors to create an overall ‘cycling negativity score’.

Sheffield topped the list with a score of 92.5 out of 100, well clear of Newcastle and Leeds, Nottingham and Norwich.

London was sixth with a score of 75.7 – leaving it level-pegging with Cardiff.

Ask HJ

What protection is given to mobility scooters in the Highway Code?

Under the new Highway Code rules, what protection is given to road legal mobility scooters (invalid carriages) as they are most definitely "vulnerable." There is a lot being said about horses, bikes, pedestrians and the hieracy of protection, but no mention of invalid carriages

Rule H1 of the Highway Code states 'The road users most likely to be injured in the event of a collision are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, with children, older adults and disabled people being more at risk.' We would suggest that this includes users of invalid carriages who may be older, disabled, or both.

Answered by David Ross

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