“Poll after poll has shown that the biggest reason for people not wanting to cycle is perceived danger. And anyone who has dared to ride a bike on unprotected roads will soon discover that a large part of this danger comes from pure illegality, not least the vast proportion of drivers who speed, especially on residential roads.
This neatly leads us to the other factor highlighted by the report, and its reaction to it: the howls of outrage if people politely suggest that people could perhaps be less of a danger to others when they drive.
Before the report’s launch, the only one of 10 recommendations highlighted in the media was the idea of removing the so-called tolerances in speeding offences, whereby you can currently go about 10% plus 2mph above a limit and not be penalised.”
The link to the parliamentary group report (.pdf file) is here.
A similar trope is tossed around in motorcycling communities.
(Supposedly) Motorcyclists make better drivers, not only in themselves but also in their friends, family and neighbours by virtue of awareness “my neighbour Jim is a motorcyclist, I should look out for him when I’m driving”.
Some groups are advocating that the CBT (basic motorcycle training) should be a requirement for new drivers to capitalise on this.
Some level of mandatory other-road-user immersion requirement could be a good way a good way to boost safety.
Fuck, driver licensing is too relaxed anyway, bring in mandatory retesting and increase the skill requirements gradually. Literally force the shit drivers out of their cars. You do it for commercial/heavy vehicles why not personal.
I think the car driving test now is actually quite good and can be difficult to pass but once you pass (potentially at 17) then that’s it. There’s no requirement to keep those skills up, learn about law changes, no further tests, just nothing. Accountants, doctors, lawyers, social workers etc are all required to keep up professional development annually and usually have to submit an annual declaration with a certain number audited. Driving a literal killing machine centimetres away from children needs nothing extra.
My suggestion would be the government and insurance companies develop an optional extra certificate like the pass plus but something you do regularly, needs you to pass tests under new laws, and to prove safe driving somehow. You pay for but it gives a discount on insurance to make up for it. I would go for this. I am hesitant about having a tracker on the car even though I drive very safely.
I believe the secret sauce is empathy.
That’s a huge part. A lot of people just can’t put themselves in others shoes unfortunately