Caution over rise in cyclist numbers

Police Scotland has issued safety reminders for motorists and cyclists as more bikes head out onto Perthshire’s roads.

The combination of lighter nights and warmer weather has resulted in a marked increase in cyclists on the roads of Perth and Kinross.

But with the activity increase come uncomfortable facts: Every week in Scotland, at least three people cycling a pedal bike suffer life-changing injuries and in most cases, it’s the person driving, not the person cycling, at fault.

Close passes are an everyday experience for people cycling. According to the Near Miss Project, every year people who regularly cycle will “experience an event so frightening that it alone makes them consider giving up cycling.”

A Police Scotland message on correct car and bike interaction has been circulated recently: “Making our roads safer for cycling requires a combined approach of engineering, education and enforcement.

“Some key points for motorists to remember when passing people on bikes:

Always give at least a car’s width of space (1.5 metres) – this will usually mean crossing into the other lane.

If you’re travelling above 30mph, give more than 1.5 metres space.

Wait at a safe distance until you have space and visibility to pass safely.

Don’t overtake at blind corners or if there’s oncoming traffic.

In towns and in slow-moving traffic, consider if there is any benefit to passing, especially if there are lights ahead.

Don’t feel pressure from the person in the car behind to pass before it’s safe.

Driving too close when passing a cyclist is an example of careless driving which attracts a minimum fine of £100 and three penalty points.

“Highway Code Rule 64 states ‘you must not cycle on a pavement.’ Generally anyone cycling on a footway or footpath in Scotland is committing an offence under Section 129(5) of The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.

“It is however not an offence to cycle across a footway or footpath to access a cycle track, driveway or other land where cycling is allowed. And whilst it is perfectly legal for cyclists to ride beside each other or in the middle of the road, we all need to respect each other and we would hope that all road users would follow the letter of the law and the spirit in which it is intended to ensure that everyone can use our roads safely and without hindrance.”