Motorists are backing calls to create segregated cycle routes on the UK’s single-carriageway A-roads, according to a survey of over 1,000 drivers for road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line.
Drivers questioned said they believe the current road network is not fit for cyclists and building dedicated cycleways should be the Government’s priority for roads investment.
They stated that the 60mph speed limit on single-carriageway A-roads is too fast to assure the safety of cyclists, and that both the warning signs and space available for cyclists are inadequate.
This sense of risk is echoed by the overwhelming majority of survey respondents, stating that they would advise children or teenagers never to cycle on single-carriageway A-roads or only to cycle with an adult.
Better cycle routes would encourage more drivers to take up cycling
The Brake and Direct Line survey found that such investment would significantly increase the numbers of motorists who would take-up cycling. Some 70% of drivers said they currently never cycle on single-carriageway A-roads, and more than half commented that they would be persuaded to if there was a demarcated space for cyclists.
Joshua Harris, Brake’s director of campaigns, said: “Getting more people cycling is a win-win for the Government, delivering both personal and public health benefits. Contrary to popular opinion, our survey shows that the majority of drivers are willing to switch modes and cycle if safe facilities are available.
“We echo the call from drivers and urge the Government to prioritise investment in safe, segregated cycle routes in the upcoming Road Investment Strategy.”
Gus Park, managing director of motor insurance at Direct Line, added: “All road users should be able to undertake their journeys safely. Many who would cycle choose to drive instead, as they feel some roads are just not safe enough for them to use.
“Single-carriageway A-roads are vital arteries within our road infrastructure, but they need to ensure they can accommodate all road users, regardless of their preferred method of transport, now and in the future.”
The Government is currently consulting on billions of pounds of investment in both the Strategic Road Network and the Major Road Network.
