Drivers are being urged to play their part in keeping people who cycle safe from harm while riding on Greater Manchester’s roads as part of a campaign by Safer Roads Greater Manchester.
See the Rider Not the Bike uses images of people going about their everyday journeys and reminds motorists of the requirements for them to leave at least 1.5-metres when overtaking at 30mph, or a bigger gap at higher speeds.
Research shows that people see the behaviour of other road users as the biggest barrier to cycling regularly, with close passing and inattentive driving being two of the most frightening experiences for people riding their bike, reports Bolton News.
According to Department for Transport figures, in 2021 five people riding bikes were killed on Greater Manchester roads and 127 were seriously injured. Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many.
More people cycling their short journeys means fewer vehicles taking up space on the road, which in turn is good for the health of the population, says the campaign. This campaign reminds drivers of the role they play in driving responsibly, and how making a safer journey in their car can have a big impact in making Greater Manchester’s roads safer for all road users – particularly cyclists.
