Cycle lanes can make roads more dangerous for cyclists

It will come as little surprise to anyone who rides a bike, but cycle lanes can make roads more dangerous for cyclists. A study by Leeds and Bolton universities has come to the conclusion that ‘cycle lanes do not appear to provide greater space for cyclists in all conditions’.

The researchers attached a camera to the back of a bicycle and rode along roads that had stretches with and without cycle lanes. They found that when there was no cycle lane, drivers tended to give riders a wider berth. When there was a cycle lane, motorists drove closer to the bikes.

Most of Britain’s cycle lanes do not comply with the width of 1.5m (5ft) recommended by the Department for Transport.

The study suggests that reducing the speed of traffic would do more to improve cycle safety than narrow cycle lanes.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “All too often, cycle lanes end up little more than a cheap and nasty way of promoting cycling – they take circuitous routes, are poorly maintained and often parked in by cars so it is little wonder that most experienced cyclists tend to avoid them.”

Cyclists need not settle for second best

For too long, motorists have enjoyed levels of insurance cover superior to anything on offer to cyclists. If your bike is stolen, some companies pay out less than you insured it for because they say it will have lost value over time and they charge extra for additional benefits like race event cover or bicycle breakdown recovery service – if such things are offered to you at all.

The good news for cyclists who are prepared to shop around is that a competitive market has forced insurers to up their game. For example, every cycle insurance policy from www.ilovemybike.co.uk includes the following and costs from just 33 pence per day:

• Third party cover up to £1m
• Cover for theft, accidental damage and vandalism (new-for-old) RACE COVER INCLUDED
• Personal accident cover up to £20,000
• Breakdown recovery for your bicycle (worth £34 on its own)
• 90 days’ European cover
• 60 days’ worldwide cover
• ‘Get You Home’ – a taxi home should your bike be stolen or damaged
• No claims discount up to 40%
• Discount of 40% for folding bikes
• Hire bike
  

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