Call Us: 0800 266 266   E-mail: info@howsmy.co.uk

How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips

Cycling Safety: Parliamentary Debates and Future Changes

In recent years, cycling has gained significant momentum across the UK, not only as a means of transport but also as a leisure activity. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a marked increase in cyclists on the roads, and with it, a renewed focus on the safety of our cyclists. This has led to the UK Parliament, particularly the House of Lords, bringing cycling road safety into the spotlight during key debates. As discussions continue in 2024, road safety advocates, including us at How’s My Driving, are eager to see how these developments will shape the future of road safety for cyclists.
  
The rise in cycling has undeniably been one of the silver linings of the past few years. It’s a healthier, greener, and often quicker way to get around congested cities. But with more cyclists on the road, the risk of accidents increases. According to government statistics, there were over 16,000 cyclist casualties on UK roads in 2022, with over 100 fatalities. These numbers highlight the need for better infrastructure and greater awareness among all road users to ensure cyclists’ safety.
 
Recent parliamentary discussions have focused on finding solutions to the increasing number of cycling-related accidents, especially in urban areas. Topics debated include:
 
  • · Improved cycling infrastructure, 
  • · Driver awareness campaigns, 
  • · New regulations to hold drivers and cyclists accountable for road safety. 
 
Debates in the House of Lords...what’s being discussed?
 
In September 2024, the House of Lords dedicated time to debating the safety of cyclists on UK roads, with a particular focus on urban areas. One of the key themes that emerged was the necessity of developing safe cycling routes, both in cities and rural areas. These routes could include protected bike lanes, better road signage, and traffic-calming measures, making it safer for cyclists to navigate busy streets alongside larger vehicles.
 
The debate also delved into the importance of education for both cyclists and drivers. The need for mutual respect between all road users was strongly emphasised, with many peers advocating for mandatory cycling safety modules in driver education programs. Similarly, it was proposed that cyclists should undergo some form of cycling proficiency training, particularly in urban environments, to better navigate busy roads and understand their own responsibilities in traffic.
 
How can you, as a fleet manager, help?
 
Fleet managers play a pivotal role in improving road safety across the UK, and with the rise in cyclists on the roads, this responsibility extends to the safety of those on two wheels.
 
Implementing comprehensive driver training for fleet drivers—especially regarding cyclist awareness—can go a long way toward reducing accidents. Drivers should be trained to:
 
  • · Maintain a safe distance from cyclists when overtaking and be aware any wind or rain that could have an effect on the backdraft. 
  • · Always use mirrors and indicators diligently to ensure cyclists are aware of their movements. 
  • · Stay alert, particularly in urban areas, where cyclists are more likely to be encountered. 
 
Additionally, fleet vehicles can be fitted with technology that aids cyclist detection, such as side-mounted sensors that alert drivers to the presence of nearby cyclists, particularly in blind spots. This not only helps reduce the likelihood of accidents but also ensures companies are doing their part to promote road safety for all users.
 
How’s My Driving? cycle safety stickers protect cyclist
 
We’re proud to have taken extra steps to help protect cyclists on the roads with our Cycle Safety Stickers. These stickers, placed on fleet vehicles, are designed to raise awareness among both drivers and cyclists, reminding them of the importance of road safety and vigilance. For fleet managers, these stickers serve as an additional layer of protection, encouraging drivers to be cautious and responsible, especially in urban environments where cyclists are most at risk.
 
The stickers also empower cyclists, giving them a clear indication that the vehicle is part of a road safety program committed to ensuring the well-being of all road users. It’s a simple, cost-effective tool that can significantly improve safety outcomes and help prevent collisions between large vehicles and cyclists.
 
Let’s keep collaborating
 
The parliamentary debates highlight the need for collaboration between the government, local authorities, road users, and organisations that manage vehicles on UK roads. By continuing to push for better cycling infrastructure and driver education, the future can be one where both cyclists and drivers can safely coexist on the roads.
 
For fleet managers and businesses, staying informed and committed to road safety will play an integral role in the success of these initiatives. With safer routes, better education, and a shared responsibility, we can make a real difference in reducing cycling accidents and fatalities across the UK.
 
 
16 September 2024

Blog Archive

2024 October

Schools Leading the Charge on Road Safety

2024 September

Cycling Safety: Parliamentary Debates and Future Changes

2024 August

The Push for Mandatory Safety Features in New UK Cars

2024 July

The Rising Drug-Drive Deaths in the UK: Raising Awareness and Prevention

2024 June

Drink-Drive Limits in the UK: A Road Safety Focus

2024 May

Just the Ticket for Young People in Transport Careers

2024 April

Should First Aid Training Be Mandatory for UK Drivers?

2024 March

Managing Driver Mental Health: A Fleet Manager's Guide to Duty of Care

2024 February

Managing Health Among Drivers

2024 January

Enhancing Road Safety: A Call for Regular Eye Examinations for Drivers Over 60

2023 December

Looking ahead to 2024: Navigating the future of driverless car technology

2023 November

Navigating Winter Roads: 10 Safer Driving Tips

2023 October

New Sentencing Guidelines for Driving Offences in the UK: What You Need to Know

2023 September

Starting a Rewarding Career as an HGV Driver in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

2023 August

Making Roads Safer: A Shared Responsibility

2023 July

Navigating the road to well-being: The impact of driving on mental and physical health

2023 June

Your Ultimate Guide To Logistics: Fleet Management 101

2023 May

Top tips for staying safe on the roads

2023 April

Using the How's My Driving? Service to promote a safer culture

2023 March

Top 5 tips to run a sustainable fleet

2023 February

Your Satnav could soon offer you the route with the cleanest air

2023 January

Changes to Welsh speed limits to launch in 2023

2022 December

Our guide for driving in different weather conditions

2022 November

Driver wellbeing: Why it is good to talk about mental health

2022 October

The Ultimate Winter Car Kit

2022 September

Road collision rates sliding back towards pre-pandemic levels

2022 August

New government plans could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025

2022 July

Did you hear? The UK Government has launched Road Safety Investigation Branch

2022 June

Schools out for summer: How to stay safe when driving

2022 May

A Year On: The UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan

2022 March

The changes to The Highway Code you NEED to know

2022 January

Logistic industry trends for 2022

2021 December

Department for Transport’s £338 million investment to encourage cycling and walking

2021 October

Tyre Safety Checks...‘what’s stopping you?’

2021 August

5 easy ways to reduce your fleet insurance premiums

2021 June

How to take a holistic approach to fleet management

2021 April

New Year New Partnerships: Wirral Council

2021 January

Driving Better Mental Health in Logistics

2019 November

Check before you go! Knowing your vehicle is a vital key to staying safe on the roads.
Case Study - M.D Driscoll & Co Ltd
Five tips for newbie drivers

2019 October

The eyes have it! Staying safe with regular eye tests.
Ambulance Services 24 is one of the latest businesses to join How’s My Driving?
Find How’s My Driving? at Fleet Live this week

2019 September

Busy Week at the RWM Show 2019
Can you rise to the challenge and ‘PLAY TEN’ with How’s My Driving?
Win a year’s free subscription at the RWM

2019 August

Love your lorry and win...
Why should you attend RWM 2019?

2019 July

Investing in ‘Driving Better Mental Health'
Recognising the brilliant and bright at the Talent in Logistics Awards

2018 December

The driver shortage

2018 October

Are we phone smart or is our addictionto social media steering us off the road?

2018 September

Partnership with leading insurance broker Jelf

2018 August

Do you have an innovative road safety idea?

2016 November

Fewer HGV collisions as speed limits on UK roads increase

2016 October

Thousands of lorries to be banned from London
Cycle helmets: Should we follow in Australia’s footsteps?
Why your lunch shouldn’t be a crash diet!

2016 September

10 reasons why you and your drivers should join ‘How’s My Driving?’
Struggling with stress behind the wheel?

2016 August

Should the Highway Code be taught in schools?
Research reveals most dangerous HGV designs for blind spots
Can you decipher common car safety features?

2016 July

British Government welcomes public opinion on autonomous vehicles
Will the proposed driving test changes improve road safety?

2016 June

Are Attitudes Towards Road Safety Issues Changing?
Should Motorists Be Fined for Driving Too Close to Cyclists?
Steering group take the wheel on road safety projects

2016 May

Pedal Power: London’s Cycle Boom
How courier fleets can benefit from having a How’s-My-Driving? sticker on their vehicles
Emergency services confidently ask “How’s My Driving?”

2016 April

Hello... Is it me you want to hire?
Wot No Drivers?

2016 March

Schoolchildren Driving Home Road Safety

2016 February

Top Tips for Reducing your Fleet Insurance

2016 January

The Ultimate Winter Road Safety

2015 December

Should we lower the Drink Drive limit?

2015 November

Welcome to Road Safety Week 2015
Are you ready for road safety week?
Look out for Cyclists!

2015 October

Survival tips for long distance driving

2015 September

New plans to overhaul driving tests

2015 August

THE most frustrating driving habits

2015 July

Minty Fresh and Birthday Ready
Is Street Velodrome Coming to a Town Near You?

2015 June

It’s Our Birthday!

2015 April

Where drivers are really looking?

2015 March

Safer Motorways: New Technology

2014 July

How’s My Driving and Just Fleet team up

2014 April

Budget safety scheme leading the way
Don't leave road safety to chance

2012 June

The Winner of the Cycle Sticker Competition

2012 March

Cycle Badge Competition

If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss setting your company up with the scheme, you can phone us on 01279 415 480. or email us at info@howsmy.co.uk.