‘Go wider of the rider’ – that’s the message from the Isle of Wight Council which is urging greater consideration among drivers sharing the Island’s roads with cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
In the past 10 years, 103 injury collisions on the Island were the result of motorists passing too close to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Meanwhile, failing to look properly is the most common cause of cyclist/motorcyclist-related collisions by a significant margin.
The ‘Go Wider of the Rider’ campaign ran in 2016 with the support of CycleWight to raise the profile of vulnerable road users. It was relaunched earlier this month with back-of-bus messaging to promote the safe overtaking of cycles, motorcycles and horses.
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said:
“The main objective of this campaign is to raise awareness of vulnerable road users, improving road safety for all. In particular, we are encouraging motorists to leave plenty of space and be more patient when overtaking the more vulnerable rider.
“The majority of motorists drive safely and will provide sufficient space when overtaking vulnerable road users. We want to remind all motorists that it’s vital to ‘Go Wider of the Rider’ because close passing is an intimidating and significant hazard.
“We want to promote the message that the highway is not just for cars and also to encourage people to embrace more forms of sustainable transport. Creating a culture of mutual respect on the highway makes the roads on the island safer for all road users.”
Earlier this year the Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses. Drivers now have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse — while cyclists have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.
The new rules mean cars must leave at least 1.5 metres (5ft) room when passing bicycles — and revised guidance also says ‘it can be safer’ for cyclists to ride 2 abreast, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders.
Cyclists are also now instructed to ride in the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic, on quiet roads or streets, moving over to the left if a faster vehicle comes up behind them, but only if they can do so safely and at the approach to junctions or where the road narrows, where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake them.
Other key amendments include drivers turning into a road being required to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.
They are also now told not to cut across cyclists or horse riders going straight ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, to avoid left hook collisions — and allow cyclists priority at roundabouts. Another recommendation is for car users to reduce the risk of opening a door into the path of a cyclist by using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as that will often lead to them looking over their shoulder.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:
“It is important for the safety of Island road users, that due care and attention is heeded, in order to help minimise the potential for road traffic incidents.
“We urge all motorists to adhere to the Highway Code safe passing distances and thank our safe motorists who respect the space of other road users.”
Tim Thorne, from CycleWight, added:
“CycleWight are pleased that this campaign has been relaunched. If we are to get more people walking and cycling we do have to give people the confidence that they feel safe.”
Good idea but also tell the cyclists not to pass on the inside of cars at lights or holdups in traffic because then the 1.5 metre gap doesn’t seem to matter to them
Oddly (and I don’t agree with it) the current highway code has the cyclist overtaking on the inside as the right of way at any junction
Biggest risk to you is a Scratch on paint vs a ruined life. Yeah f them cyclists…..
Isn’t it amazing that drivers are told to give bikes more space yet these same wonderful riders squeeze past stooped traffic with millimetres to spare and on 4 occasions have hit and moved my mirrors and despite knowing they have done so just ride on, the riders who utterly ignore one way streets, traffic lights and give no hand signals when turning.
Totally agree but I say this to Friday last cyclist needs to obay traffic lights red means stop at crossing in Wootton especially when elders crossing into road it’s red for a reason, your soon moan when a car passes too close.
You can’t have it both ways. As others have said, if cyclists want to be given more room then they need to show this by keeping their distance from vehicles. They put themselves in danger by riding up the inside of stationary or slow moving traffic – and let’s not even get started on the cycling through red lights and cycling the wrong way down one-way streets etc.
Maybe the certain few could help drivers when a queue builds up behind them by going single file ?????
Try passing 2 bicycles 5ft wider when on narrow roads !!!!!!
Also car drivers don’t overtake on bends , several times near Lynn bottom tip I have had to avoid car’s van’s on my side of the Rd overtaking cyclists ..
Think bike yes think bends just think!!!!!
The highway code change states that they should go into single file or pull over to allow traffic to overtake. Shame that only the part where they’re allowed to ride two abreast is ever brought up.
Yep. Why do car drivers overtake cyclists completely on the wrong side of the road? Ok they need space, but if you can’t get past without compromising vehicles coming in the opposite, just bloody wait.
A polite request to the cycle enthusiasts. If a big que of traffic is forming behind, you, please pull over for a second or two to let traffic overtake you safely, big buses and lorries will thank you for it.
It’s an absolute joke!! They pay no taxes! And still moan bout everything!! They have no respect for car users at all! Just be greatful we don’t kick you in to the gutter!
Opps.Just be greatful we don’t kick you in to the gutter!
what goes around. Big man.
So much aggression, sounds like you’re sexual frustrated lol. Oh how much benefits do you drain from the State little boy?.
They do pay taxes, as much as anyone else on the road with a low emission car – road tax has not been a thing for about 70 years now
Being conscious of vulnerable road users is absolutely correct but this really has to work both ways and there is no reason why cyclists cannot consider vehicles. In the last few weeks I have seen a bus unable to get past a cyclist and the latter had no concern at all, simply cycling slowly and ignoring places where he could have let the bus pass. It must be a regular thing for bus drivers.
But since highway code recommendations there have been more accidents, how the hell can a buss pass a cyclist when they are riding two abreast in centre of their lane. Give way to cyclist’s both under/over taking when turning – while you spend time looking in mirrors you are not looking at traffic and pedestrians etc. Why would it be ok if I had my indicator turning left for a cyclist to undertake?.Some non driving idiot made these up. Why didn’t they consult with road users first. It will end with more serious injuries as many cyclist are so inconsiderate. In cities no one can get 1-5m even from passing cars and lorries ,pedestrians should give way to traffic not other way round.
Absolutely right. Cars are heavy and it takes time to stop. Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable and hence should give way to cars. The change to the law is poorly considered. Hope the change at the top of government might lead to reconsideration.
vulnerable road users
ha – that is a joke – most cyclists are arrogant lycra louts that think they own the road that they do not pay any road tax to use. Cyclists should also be required to have insurance to be on the road to cover damage to people and other road users that they cause due to their own lack of care, attention and consideration.
Agreed some are totally ignorant,why are they allowed to ride in all black Lycra,no helmet,no light’s and have no common sense as well as speeding, no insurance and most would not even pass school cycling proficiency!. They are involved in an accident and motorists get blame. Idiots that made up these rules have never driven an arctic or bus and probably not even a car.
If there are cycle paths, especially a maintained one, near a main road cyclists should be made to use them. Some do but most don’t and seem to get pleasure out of holding up traffic. We as drivers have to abide by the laws, so do horse riders why can’t cyclists and the electric scooter users, they too need to have more restrictions imposed on them as to where and when they can use main roads.
Fairlee / Racecourse. It’s right there!! Use it.
The racecourse being one which has a bike path alongside it and a shared pavement to the private hospital, what do the arrogant lycra clad idiots do, ride on the road holding everyone else up.
Years ago, I took part in a sponsored cycle from the island around northern France & back. I soon discovered the French drive like utter lunatics, but they did warn us they were approaching by beeping their horns. The whole ride was completely uneventful in terms of road incidents, until we got back on the Island & a large vehicle forced two of the team on to the pavement in Shanklin! The so called professional driver didn’t give a toss. RESPECT is all that’s required by all road users. That includes cyclist riding two abreast or in a long line of multiple riders. Most of you drive cars, so stop the arrogance when on two wheels. These roads do not allow such antics to be dealt with safely.
Wouldent it be refreshing if cyclists were given advice on being safe and sharing the road.like when theres a queue a mile long behind you pull in a gap and let people pass.rather than just peddling ignorantly along with your headphones on at 10mph
Its ok asking people to go wider, however gou will see more car on their roof !
Riders you carry on as you have been going up the inside of cars/lorries riding on pavements and going through red lights we will go a little wider for you
A bit hypocritical of Phil Jordan to tell drivers to be safe on the road, he was convicted of drunk driving himself a few years back, and let’s not forget parking on pavements in Ventnor eh Phil. Rude git. Phil Jordan telling us to have respect for others when he hasn’t any for us, the general public who pay his wages. Wow has this guy got some nerve.
Maybe these lycra clad idiots should consider, pavements are for pedestrians, not bikes, and one way streets apply to bikes as well as cars.
Cyclists are LAWLESS
Tell cyclists STOP riding side by side holding hands.
Tell cyclists to STOP at Traffic Lights.
Tell cyclists stop cycling down NO ENTRY ROADS coming on to oncoming traffic.
Tell cyclists STOP being selfish ********
“Who can honestly respect a Cyclist”
You sit in your metal car. Belching out wretched pollution into the atmosphere. Driving over animals, into hedges, parking where you like. Stuck in traffic. Shouting like a maniac at other drivers bikes motorcyles and horses. Many of you become different people behind the wheel, emboldened by that protection. Respect?! Remember that person you have no respect for and knock off might be a nurse, your child’s school teacher or as it was recently, one of the countries top scientists.
Don’t ride like an idiot, in the middle of the road then. Go cry to the oil companies or heathrow that just love to fund your visits. Oh yes let’s not forget that cyclists are now sponsored by “SHELL” oh how green they pretend to be.
All bikes need an Id number. Then those committing traffic offences can be reported. Courtesy works 2 ways. Something arrogant bikers should remember.
Cyclists should have yellow flashing lights on top of theirs helmets to indicate slow moving vehicle, just like tractor drivers etc. They’d be far more visible and safer all round.
A few Sundays ago I came along main road to Shalfleet turn right onto Corf road only to be held up by six riders three abreast they all knew I was behind them but not one moved over!! Tell me how?! I’m supposed to pass.
Get on a bike and join them
Three abreast is about as wide as a vehicle, just pass as you would pass any another moving vehicle, by moving to the other side of the road, if you can’t, just simply WAIT, they were there first, it’s their piece of road at that given time, not yours to take, you all just happen to be in the same place at the same time, if you want to use the roads, you and everyone else using the roads have to except these things, it’s all pretty simple really.
So what about the idiot in lycra that rode through the red light at the roadworks on middle road by Afton yesterday?
It’s those idiots that need educating, but I guess you cant educate stupid, even though this guy was old enough to know better.
Have a pop at the motorist as usual eh!
For all that protection in your little metal car you certainly are sensitive.
Why don’t the council lay down some rules for the cyclist instead of keep on about motor vehicles being in the wrong all the time ????
if the council want to ensure safety get the cycle paths up together coloured lanes for cyclist to stay in etc etc .
cyclist and motor cyclist will see nothing wrong with riding by traffic within 2 inches of car wing mirror
The consequences of a bike hitting a car are less disasterous than a car hitting a bike
Cyclists should be insured and have an identification plate so their infractions can be reported to the police. Plus the law should change so that if there is a long tailback behind a cyclist, they should have to stop to relieve congestion.
I’d like to see a road on the island that allows a 5ft berth. Roads are narrow and usually parking both sides . All road users should be aware of each other but I’ve noticed since this new highway code law bike users are just being a little too arrogant and using it to their advantage which causes frustration and road rage. We just need to be mindful of each other .
ill say no too this request ta…..bikers are a law unto them selves and rude with it!
MAMIL’s Middle Aged Men In Lycra !!!
Isn’t it typical that most of these comments are from angry motorists, well done, you’ve just shot yourselves in the foot. Most cyclists I know also drive, most motorists don’t cycle, there it is pure and simple. There’s a lot of ignorance about why bikes happen to be on the road, road bikes are made for roads, road cycling is also a sport and been around longer than motor vehicles. Is it that difficult to move your hands and feet in your vehicle to get around a cyclist, or WAIT until it’s safe? How late will you be to WAIT until it is safe, just as you would with any other vehicle? If it’s that difficult then maybe you shouldn’t be on the road. These measures have been introduced because of irresponsible road users, think about it.
Would be appreciated if they do not string out in a difficult to overtake pattern. The alpha male should ride behind female partner therefore close together and easier to overtake, followed group of 4 from airport at Bembridge to eventually getting past at Yar bridge as they had turned to Sandown.
Almost late for appointment at hospital!!!!
Alpha male…..f me. I know they say the island is like going back in time but you make i sound like a David Attenborough documentary. Two abreast is quicker to overtake and safer for the riders. Most actions are protective. If you rode to the hospital you could have joined their peloton and enjoyed the gorgeous island scenery witout polluting it in your car!
I cycle and drive on the island, cyclists shouldn’t be going two abreast down the road and if they are aware of cars behind them they should pull over to let vehicles pass, saying that half the drivers on the road should have had their licences taken away years ago as they are clearly incompetent and a fair percentage of others are impatient and cause accidents
The island is not cycle friendly.
Hardly any cycle lanes.
Cycling on the Island is a joke.
Cyclists and electric scooterist are lawless.
They abuse Island Roads.
Cry for me. I drink your tears of hatred.
Give way to buses give way to taxis give way to cyclists give way to pedestrians give way to ducks give way to bagels give way to scooters give way give way give way. Aren’t the roads supposed to be for cars?!
Lots of people saying they don’t see why they should give cyclists more room based on their hatred of a minority of cyclist who misbehave.
If you deliberately pass close to a cyclist and you knock them off there is an extremely good chance you will seriously injure them or kill them. Even if you don’t give a damn about that and the grief it will cause to a family losing a father or mother, son or daughter, bear this in mind.
If you kill a cyclist by passing to close you will go to prison. No ifs, not buts, you will be jailed. And if it is determined that you did it deliberately (death by dangerous driving), you will go to prison for 5 years. There is also the potential of a manslaughter conviction.
Go Wider of The Rider is a good idea, to promote safe overtaking, and a very successful campaign judging by the engagement on this comments page. I notice Beryl have introduced bicycles to their range of scooters, another great initiative.