Drivers are being urged to be more aware of cyclists.

The majority of respondents to a recent AA survey have revealed the considerable difficulties many drivers have in identifying cyclists when out on the roads.

According to the results of the latest AA-Populus report, 93 per cent of motorists state they sometimes find it hard to see bike riders, while 55 per cent admitted to being regularly surprised as a rider ‘appears from nowhere’.

As a result, the AA has launched a new campaign that aims to encourage all drivers to be more aware of what is going on around them.

Its Think Bikes! initiative is encouraging drivers to be alert at all times to the dangers they pose to other road users, with individuals travelling on two wheels some of the most vulnerable.

Indeed, figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show that every year around 19,000 cyclists are either killed or seriously injured in accidents in the UK and it is therefore imperative more is done to protect this group.

Moreover, with the popularity of cycling continuing to rise across the country, this is an issue that could potentially worsen in the years ahead if levels of awareness are not improved.

AA president Edmund King commented: “Those on two wheels never appear from nowhere, so as drivers we need to be more alert to other road users and this is where our stickers act as a daily reminder.

“Likewise, riders need to be aware that they may not always be spotted by drivers. We hope that this campaign can reach the parts that other campaigns can’t reach.”

It is an initiative that has already resonated well with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, as the organisation’s director of policy and research Neil Greig stated any reminder for drivers to be more aware of other road users is welcome.

He added these types of campaigns help to raise awareness of the importance of protecting all vulnerable groups on the UK’s roads.

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