Drivers asked to overtake cyclists with care

Wednesday 16 May 2018

A new campaign has been launched to try and help cyclists feel less vulnerable on Guernsey roads by encouraging motorists to 'stay wider of the rider.'

The initiative by The Guernsey Bicycle Group aims to promote safe overtaking distances between bicycles and vehicles and make sure that they leave a sufficient gap between their vehicle and the cyclist when overtaking.

GBG Chairman Sam Field said: "One of the biggest barriers preventing people from riding as a means of commuting to school, work, recreationally or with their families is the perception that riding on the roads can be intimidating."

"Close overtaking manoeuvres and a feeling of vulnerability on the road are two of the biggest barriers preventing people from riding more. This initiative aims to make all road users aware of the space and speed between each other when overtaking."

Known as ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ the initiative aims to raise spatial awareness among road users, asking them to give a bicycle as much room as a car when overtaking, a minimum of three feet, but ideally four or five feet where possible.

Pictured: Illustration of safe overtaking distances

It draws on experience from an award winning UK campaign which was spearheaded by the West Midlands Police.  A 17 x 12 foot life size printed mat has been produced which clearly displays the safe and unsafe zones and distances for overtaking.  The mat has been modified for Guernsey, in recognition of the fact that it isn’t always possible to leave a gap of five feet when overtaking on some of our narrow island roads.  It will be displayed at various locations around the island in the forthcoming weeks and months to help drive the message home.

Sergeant Tom Marshall of Guernsey Police Roads Policing Unit welcomed the initiative: “The safety of all road users is a priority for Guernsey Police.  This mat and the associated campaign will promote best practise to drivers when overtaking others and help educate them as to the effect that their actions could have on other vulnerable road users.”

The Guernsey Bicycle Group says members regularly witness high speed close passes by vehicles on the island, with many often leaving a gap of less than one foot.  With a marked difference in speed between the bike rider and the vehicle, such a small gap is not only terrifying to the cyclist, but potentially lethal.  They advise all riders to adopt the secondary position on the road, being 3 feet away from the kerb, which also gives enough room to avoid hazards such as drain covers, manholes and potholes.

Mr Field said: "We are thrilled to have the support of Guernsey Police to help reinforce this safety message. GBG’s goal is to make riding  more accessible for all people, with more people riding to school and work and feeling safe in doing so. In a perfect world all drivers would give enough room to riders, and there would be no requirement for the Stay Wider of the Rider mat."

GBG and Guernsey Police unveiled the mat at the GBG AGM last night at the Guernsey Yacht Club and will be answering questions about it on Sunday May 20 at the Sea Front Sunday.

Pictured: Main image: Sam Field with the mat illustrating overtaking room