AA Driving School and BSM will now include a new section on bike awareness and driving safely around cyclists, developed with input from the cycling community.
Instructors will take a new module, backed by the Driving Standards Agency and the Department for Transport, to teach to new drivers.
It comes after police in Norfolk launched an investigation into a woman who admitted on Twitter that she had knocked down a cyclist.
The latest Government statistics show that cyclist deaths and serious injuries continue to rise (read more here).
In central London, more than two thirds of cyclist accidents are the fault of the motorist, and, of the 14 cyclists killed last year, the majority collided with HGVs.
Mark Peacock, head of BSM, said: “Successfully teaching a learner to drive safely around cyclists means instilling a good attitude as well as the necessary practical driving skills.
“Understanding why cyclists behave in certain ways, such as avoiding potholes or how they are affected in strong winds, is key to being safe around them.”
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “I am personally committed to breaking down the ‘two tribes’ attitude displayed between some drivers and cyclists. Often we are the same people. I am convinced that this initiative will change attitudes and save lives.”
Tracey Speke, RAC Risk Management - 02/07/2013 12:07
This is great news, long time coming but really glad it has arrived. Ensuring new drivers have these extra hazard awareness skills can only encourage safer driving habits in younger drivers.