The UK’s single-carriageway A roads are not fit for cyclists and building segregated cycle routes should be the Government’s priority for roads investment, a new survey has found.

The research of more than 1,000 drivers for Brake and Direct Line found that the 60mph speed limit on single-carriageway A roads is too fast to assure the safety of cyclists and that both the warning signs and space available for cyclists are inadequate.

The majority of survey respondents also stated that they would advise children or teenagers never to cycle on single-carriageway A roads or only to cycle with an adult.

Drivers have called on the Government to address these concerns by prioritising investment on building segregated, tarmacked cycle paths alongside the single-carriageway A road network, over and above any expansion of the road itself.

Brake and Direct Line’s survey finds that such investment would significantly increase the numbers of those cycling, as while 70% of drivers state that they currently never cycle on single-carriageway A roads, more than half state that they would be persuaded to if there was a demarcated space for cyclists.

The research results shortly after the Government published plans to improve cycle safety.

Joshua Harris, Brake’s director of campaigns, said: “Getting more people cycling is a win-win for the Government, delivering both personal and public health benefits.

"Contrary to popular opinion, our survey shows that the majority of drivers are willing to switch modes and cycle if safe facilities are available.

"We echo the call from drivers and urge the Government to prioritise investment in safe, segregated cycle routes in the upcoming Road Investment Strategy.”

The Government is currently consulting on billions of pounds of investment in both the Strategic Road Network and the Major Road Network.

More articles on: