Advice for Drivers
From Pedalpushers
Specific Advice for Drivers when in the proximity of Cyclists
GIVE CYCLISTS ROOM!
Allow cycles at least one metre when passing - more if at speed. Cyclists may have to swerve to avoid potholes, drains, broken glass etc which can cause accidents. Be patient if a cyclist is ahead of you, particularly in slow moving traffic - you are likely to be stopped at the next set of traffic lights anyhow. Make a correct manoeuvre to pass - mirror, signal manoeuvre - rather than attempting to squeeze past in a dangerous fashion. If it is not safe to pass, wait at a safe distance until it is.
Watch out for cyclists using marked cycle or bus lanes in the nearside especially when turning left. Don't flash turning traffic across your path without checking.
At junctions with Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) - that's the big red box with a picture of a cycle in it - stop before the first white line. That box is a safety aid to cyclists to a) aid them turning right, and b) protect them from vehicles turning left. Remain behind the first white line until the traffic lights turn green. Please respect ASL's even if there are no cyclists apparently present - you never know when one's going to turn up.
When next to Bus Lanes and on-road cycle lanes, check for cyclists in the nearside lane before stopping or flashing on a vehicle turning right.
Pulling out from side roads, look once, look twice, THINK BIKE! Remember a bike can do speeds of up to 45 m.p.h, especially when going downhill. (racing cyclists can top 50mph)
Always use signals when turning left or right. Cyclists are not mind-readers, although if you are at a T-junction there is a fair chance you are either going to turn left or right. Cyclists cannot always see lane markings if motor traffic is obscuring them, so a signal will help a cyclist to predict your trajectory and manoeuvre accordingly. If a cyclist can put their arm out horizontally whilst balancing & braking or pedalling, you can manage to flick a switch on the steering column, surely?
Take particular care when following a cyclist on the on-road tram routes. Tramlines are a particular problem for cyclists- they need to slow down or stop, check behind, signal to on-coming traffic that they are going to move out, and cross the tracks at an angle of at least 45 degrees. Give them plenty of room and time to do this. When waiting at a side road for a cyclist to pass do not pull over the white line - leave space for the cyclist to pass between your car and the tramline.
When leaving your vehicle check in your mirror for overtaking cyclists before opening your door.
Cyclists DO NOT HAVE TO USE the sign-posted routes which are part of Sheffield's developing Strategic Cycle Network. There is no such thing as a mandatory cycle lane in the U.K. Cyclists can use all bus lanes in Sheffield. The only roads cyclists are barred from in Sheffield are the Sheffield Parkway (& slip roads thereto, including part of Cutler's Gate) the Mosborough Parkway between Coisley Hill roundabout and the M1 and the tramway on the High Street, from which cars are also barred. So don't harrass cyclists just because they are on the road, even if there is an adjacent cycle lane - not all these lanes are suitable for all cyclists and some of them aren't suitable for ANY cyclist!
In snowy conditions you will see more cyclists on-road as the cycle lanes and minor roads are not gritted and are unusable. Please allow for this and give these cyclists consideration.
Remember, every bike is potentially one less space-taking, congestion-causing car on the road - a pedal cycle takes up a lot less space. It follows, therefore, that you should be encouraging as many people as possible to cycle, unless you wish your journey to be ever slower. The best way you can help to achieve this is to be considerate and helpful to cyclists.
General advice that will make you a better driver, from a cyclist's perspective.
Read the Highway Code regularly. If you understand the rules of the road, for drivers as well as cyclists, this will make you a better and safer driver.
Do not drive or park on pavements and pedestrian areas. Do not drive in bus lanes or through bus gates during operational hours.
ALWAYS stop at red traffic lights. Always stop at Zebra crossings if there is someone waiting to cross, as long as it is safe to do so.
Obey no right turns and other traffic signs.
You don't have to wear a helmet when driving, but you may be safer if you do.(Really!)
Pollution levels are higher in your car than they are outside at cyclist's head height. So really, it should be you wearing that air filter, not that cyclist.
Use lights at night. Ensure that all your lights are working before you drive.
Don't answer your phone while driving. Although it's legal to use a hands-free set, it's just as dangerous as using a hand-held - the concentration it takes to have a phone conversation is a serious detriment to your driving skills. You don't really want to kill someone do you? If you need to stop to take a call, make sure you do it safely - don't just pull off onto the pavement.
Report potholes, missing or damaged signs, etc to the ActionLine: 0114 2734567. Report motorists who behave illegally - e.g. are illegally parked in cycle lanes - to the Police: 0114 2202020.
Never drive when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
If you can, use the train or bus - Use South Yorkshire Travelwise or the Transport Direct Website
Join your local cycling campaign and campaign for better conditions for cyclists! In Sheffield it's Pedal Pushers.
See also - Sheffield University's advice for cyclists
