The insurer is anticipating that following the Government’s announcement of a £2 billion package to create emergency bike lanes and streets to support the transport network, sales of bicycles will continue to increase and could lead to novice riders venturing onto busy roads.
As part of its commitment to help keep communities safe, the insurer in partnership with road safety charity, Brake is therefore urging both motorists and cyclists to take extra care when on the roads.
Co-op Insurance’s top 5 safety tips for motorists:
Give cyclists plenty of space
When turning and emerging from junctions look out for cyclists
Use indicators in good time
Give cyclists room and a head start at traffic lights
Do the ‘Dutch reach’ to help you check for cyclists before opening car doors
Co-op Insurance’s top 5 safety tips for cyclists:
Always wear a helmet
Obey traffic lights and signs and signal clearly using arm gestures
Make sure your road position is not too close to the kerb
Be aware of slippery surfaces when wet
Try to make eye contact with other road users, particularly at junctions, side roads and on roundabouts
Nick Ansley, Head of Motor Insurance at Co-op said: “It’s clear that lockdown is prompting many people to start new hobbies and forms of exercise including cycling and whilst this is great to see, it’s unfortunately leading to an increase in collisions.
“We’re therefore urging motorists to give plenty of space to cyclists and be mindful of all other road users when driving. We’re also reminding cyclists to remain safe and alert by following road safety guidelines when using the roads to help improve the wellbeing of communities.”
Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns at Brake said: “These new figures from Co-op Insurance, indicating a huge increase in claims for collisions with cyclists, are very concerning. We implore all drivers to always keep well within speed limits and to be extra vigilant as people use local roads for their daily exercise.
“It’s vital that drivers are aware of the risk they pose to other, more vulnerable, road users and to make sure they slow down, only overtake when absolutely safe to do so and always leave plenty of room.
“Every crash impacts lives and increases the burden on our stretched emergency services and NHS.”
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