It’s time to stop the close passes – and start sharing the road.
“When overtaking a cyclist, always look beyond them to judge your ability to get past safely leaving at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. By hanging back two or three car lengths, you’ll be able to see further up the road and look out for oncoming traffic."
- IAM RoadSmart Active Travel Spokesperson, Harriet Hernando”
To support cyclists and other road users, we call for action on several fronts, including building high-quality segregated cycling infrastructure, promoting cycling skills courses, and improving driver awareness of cycling-related Highway Code changes.
In 2022, changes were made to The Highway Code so that drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision now bear the greatest responsibility. This hierarchy of road users (illustrated below) sees cyclists ranked second alongside horse riders, so our Chief Examiner, Richard Gladman, has compiled his top tips on how drivers and riders can help to keep cyclists safe.
Encouraging road safety is at the heart of everything we do at IAM RoadSmart.
That’s why we have created a series of posters to raise awareness of common road safety encounters you might have on the roads. These posters are designed for anybody who wants to learn more about road safety, or if you manage a team who are always out on the roads, these make a perfect resource to help them remain as safe as they can be. Click below to download.
The 'Dutch Reach'
The Hierarchy of Road Users
Sharing with Cyclists
Cyclists and Roundabouts
With the summer months approaching, more people are opting for the two-wheeled alternative to make their journeys. Whether it’s the school run, commute, exercise, or for leisure IAM RoadSmart is sharing their top tips on sharing the road with cyclists.
Advanced Driver course
Boost your confidence, sharpen your awareness, and take control with our Advanced Driver course. Learn how to spot hazards earlier, drive more smoothly, and make safer decisions on the road. It’s about getting more from your car, without relying on it.