World Bicycle Day 2025
Dated: 03 Jun, 2025
The 3rd of June is World Bicycle Day. We know cycling improves mental and physical health, and also results in a reduction in emissions, but they are one of the most vulnerable road users on the roads.
Figures from 2023 identified there were 14,999 cyclist casualties on British roads. With more cyclists than usual expected on the roads celebrating the day, drivers need to ensure they are concentrating and observing their surroundings to keep these vulnerable road users safe.
So how can drivers help to protect vulnerable cyclists on our roads?
Give cyclists plenty of space when passing or overtaking them. Rule 163 of the Highway Code states drivers should “leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds” and “you should wait behind and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.”
Before pulling away at junctions or traffic lights, be 100% sure you have observed your surroundings, cyclists can be hard to spot at times, so taking the time to have that extra check could go a long way in keeping them safe.
Remember, cyclists can have varying levels of experience which you will be unaware of. Always drive at a speed that allows you to observe your surroundings and come to a stop should a hazard present itself.
Also note the age of the cyclist when you spot them. This can affect how fast they can go, how experienced they are, and their overall decision making ability. A child cyclist may act more rash and make more mistakes than an adult cyclist.
Ensure you adjust your mirrors to minimise the ‘blind spots’ as much as possible.
Remain alert, even in stationary traffic. Cyclists may weave through queues of traffic and/or position themselves in your blind spots.
Always check your left mirror before turning left, cyclists could be travelling on your nearside, especially if there is a designated bike lane.
Indicate in good time before turning into a junction, or when changing lanes to allow others time to react.
Give priority to cyclists on roundabouts. Cyclists may stay in the nearside lane at roundabouts, even if they intend to take 2nd, 3rd or further exits. Stay behind when turning or changing direction and don’t cut across a cyclist.
Be courteous when parking, and do not park in any cyclist marked areas (such as cycle lanes or cycle box/advanced stop line). Parking in these areas forces the cyclist to change direction and enter more dangerous parts of the road. If keeping a cyclist safe isn’t enough to deter you from parking in those areas, it is also an offence to park in a cycle lane with a solid white line and can incur a fine of up to £130 depending on which council you commit the offence in. You can also face a £100 fine for stopping or parking in a cycle box/advanced stop line.
Before opening the door consider using the ‘Dutch Reach.’ This simple technique involves opening the door with the hand furthest away from it. By doing this the driver is naturally forced to look over their shoulder, encouraging you to check your blind spot. It also means the driver opens the door more slowly and reduces the chances of making contact with a cyclist. The Highway Code Rule 239 states ‘you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door’, and remember, MUST and MUST NOT rules are backed by legislation, so you would be breaking the law to ignore such rules.
