Lockdown helps ease tension between drivers and cyclists

• A third of drivers (32 per cent) admit to becoming more patient with cyclists since lockdown, while 36 per cent of cyclists think drivers now show them more patience and respect on the roads
• This comes after two thirds (64 per cent) of drivers previously admitted to feeling regularly frustrated with cyclists, whilst three quarters (76 per cent) cyclists stated they felt the same towards drivers

After experiencing a boom in popularity during lockdown, cycling looks set to remain on-trend as the UK continues to ease out of lockdown. With more cyclists than ever before predicted on UK roads post-lockdown, breakdown provider Green Flag has discovered that as a result of the lockdown cycling revolution, the relationship between drivers and cyclists actually looks to be stronger than ever before.

New research by Green Flag* has revealed that nearly a third of UK drivers (32 per cent) have admitted that they have actually seen themselves becoming more patient with cyclists as they explore new means of getting about, without relying on public transport. Out of the entire UK this sentiment is most evident in London, where over half of Londoners (51 per cent) stated that they have a new found understanding for cyclists following the lockdown restrictions.

That mindset isn’t a one-way street however, there is also a noticeable shift when it comes to how cyclists view drivers since lockdown; incredibly over a third of cyclists (36 per cent) noted that drivers have shown them more patience and respect on the roads.

These findings come as welcome news, after the research also revealed some of each groups’ bad habits that grind the gears of their counterparts on the road.

Despite potholes (45 per cent), tailgating (43 per cent) and traffic jams (40 per cent) giving British drivers more of a headache than cyclists, two thirds (64 per cent) of British drivers admitted to having found themselves frustrated when sharing the road. However, there is certainly a need for improvement from drivers - cyclists indicated that driving too close to a bicycle (49 per cent), a lack of awareness shown by drivers on the road (35 per cent) and more specifically, when drivers turn left without indicating (26 per cent) are all sources of irritation for them when navigating their journeys.

When it comes to the reasons behind drivers’ frustrations with their counterparts on two wheels, a cyclist skipping a red light (41 per cent) causes the most upset whilst cyclists travelling in groups (39 per cent) and cyclists acting like they own the road (37 per cent) also drive motorists around the bend.

However, despite previous feelings between the famed road rivals, this looks to be a dawning of a new travel chapter, as drivers and cyclists new found patience of one another is also displayed in how they to react to grievances on the road. When it comes to drivers forget road rage, it seems that the UK’s vehicle owners are actually a nation of hushed whisper complainers! A third of drivers (33 per cent) admitted to muttering under their breath at cyclists, while only 11 per cent choose to vocalise themselves by swearing at cyclists who they perceive to have wronged them.

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag said: “There has always been somewhat of a rivalry between drivers and cyclists competing for space on UK roads. While this research does show that there is still some existing tension amongst both, it is promising that with cycling gaining such popularity during the lockdown period, there is an increased understanding between them.

“Despite friction amongst the motorists, it is important to remember that the safety of each group relies on the actions of the other. At Green Flag, we conducted this research to raise awareness of this, to ensure that drivers recognise that there will likely be more cyclist on the streets and to be conscious of that, and for the increasing numbers of cyclists to be conscious of their role in sharing the roads safely with motorists.

 “Ultimately, the roads are there for everyone to share, so it is important for all road users to always be vigilant and remain aware of each other as we all start to travel more, perhaps using a new method to normal, as lockdown continues to ease.”

- ENDS –

Notes to Editors:

*Research conducted on 2,000 UK respondents (1,000 UK Drivers and 1,000 UK Cyclists), July, 2020, by Censuswide.

Green Flag:

With over 40 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com