Jeremy Vine has come out in support of an initiative designed to support cyclists and remind drivers to be aware of those on two wheels.
Experts are urging drivers to place “Think Bike” stickers on their wing mirrors to remind them to look out for more vulnerable road users.
Research from the Department for Transport found that 91 cyclists and 350 motorcyclists were killed on British roads in 2022.
The AA is reigniting the “Think Bike” campaign in a bid to remind Britons of their responsibility when driving, especially around smaller road users.
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Drivers are being reminded to keep an eye on cyclists
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Data from the organisation found that 89 per cent of almost 13,000 AA members agree that it is “sometimes too hard to see cyclists”.
Radio host Jeremy Vine has backed the campaign, saying that drivers need to hold themselves more accountable for other road users.
The 58-year-old said: “I’m so pleased to see that the AA is doing this because, if you’re on two wheels, you do feel quite vulnerable.
“And I always think when you’re in a car – I drive too – you don’t always see that that person on the bicycle is a mum, a sister, somebody’s son, someone’s grandfather, maybe even their great-grandfather,” he told the PA news agency.
Around 15 per cent of survey respondents admitted that they had lost their temper and used hand signals towards a cyclist before.
The “Think Bike” campaign was originally launched by the AA Charitable Trust in March 2014 to support British Cycling and the Motorcycle Industry Association.
Initially, one million free stickers were distributed to drivers as a reminder to “double-take” and watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists in their blind spots.
It was suggested that motorists should put the cycle sticker on the passenger’s side and the motorcycle sticker on the driver’s side.
Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, said it should be easier for motorists to see those on two wheels if they “look in the right places”.
He added: “It is now 10 years since we launched our Think Bike sticker campaign. But unfortunately, the message is still as relevant today as it was a decade ago.
“Cycles and motorcycles make up just 2.75 per cent of miles travelled compared to cars but account for more than one quarter of road deaths.
“This is why it is essential to spread the message again to all drivers to think bikes.”
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Hammersmith Bridge was closed to motor traffic in April 2019
GETTYThis comes amid new investment for cyclists to allow them to use Hammersmith Bridge with resurfacing work expected. Currently, riders must dismount and walk with their bikes using a separate footpath.
The £2.9million funding boost was evidence of the Government’s commitment to support drivers, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said.
