Cyclists: claim your lane, urges motoring org

Steered by advice from cycling expert John Franklin (author of the set text for Bikeability cycle training), ‘How to be a better cyclist’ offers advice on staying safe on the roads, and explores techniques that allow cyclists to better integrate with traffic, including reacting dynamically to changing situations.

‘How to be a better cyclist’ is the third book in a series from the IAM, promoting proven cognitive road safety methods such as anticipation, self awareness and reaction, applying them to drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. The new book can be used for personal study or in conjunction with training to the National Cycle Training standard.
The new guide champions the idea of cyclists taking up a primary position on the road. Some motorists may consider this to be “blocking traffic”, but this is legally indefensible. Bicycles are defined as vehicles in law and have equal rights – and responsibilties – with motorists when using the public highway.
Duncan Pickering, IAM Cycling Development Manager, said: “Many cyclists are unsure whether to stick to the kerb or push out into the road when riding in towns. ‘How to be a better cyclist’ advises cyclists to stay nearer but not close to the kerb on long, even stretches, but where safe and appropriate to do so, to assert themselves (such as when approaching a side road), pushing out into the road and making themselves visible to drivers.”
‘How to be a better cyclist’ is available for £9.99 plus postage and packaging via the IAM website.