British Cycling’s Policy Adviser, Chris Boardman, has today welcomed the launch of a ‘Think Once, Think Twice, Think Bikes’ campaign, backed by the UK’s largest motoring body, the AA.

The campaign, designed to help raise awareness of the need for all drivers to ‘Think Bikes’ and check their mirrors, especially before turning left, forms part of the AA’s efforts to promote mutual respect between all road users.

British Cycling’s policy adviser, Chris Boardman, said:

“This move by the AA – Britain’s largest motoring organisation – is a welcome step in creating a culture of mutual respect between all road users. We know that cyclists and drivers are often the same people – nine out of 10 British Cycling members also drive a car. This sticker campaign reflects the importance of looking out for everyone on the road, regardless of what form of transport they use.

“Looking left and giving way to cyclists is a crucial part of improving safety on the roads. This is what happens on the continent and it should become part of our culture too. Of course, this rule is already written into the Highway Code – we just need to ensure that people are following it.

“This campaign will undoubtedly contribute to promoting safer driving habits on the road. However, here we have an enterprising organisation doing something that the government should be doing anyway. We urgently need a national, government-led cycling awareness campaign to spread these important messages even further.”

The creation of a national cycling awareness campaign is one of the action points on British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling 10 point plan. The plan also states that the driving test should include elements that test candidates’ ability and awareness of driving near people on bikes, something that the AA and BSM driving schools already teach all of their learner drivers.

For more information about British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling campaigning work visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/campaigning