May 3, 2026 · 2 min read

Road safety — the cyclist's and driver's perspective

Road safety improves when both cyclists and drivers understand each other's reality. Here's a practical look at what each side should know.

What cyclists should do

• Be predictable — ride in a straight line, signal turns, don't weave between parked cars. Predictability is the single most effective safety behaviour.
• Take the lane when needed — riding too far to the left (in right-hand traffic) invites close passes. If the lane is too narrow for safe side-by-side travel, ride in the centre. It forces drivers to change lanes to overtake.
• Make eye contact — at junctions, look at the driver. If you can't see their eyes, assume they haven't seen you.
• Use lights — day and night. Daytime running lights reduce the risk of being hit from behind by up to 33%.
• Assume you're invisible — ride as if no driver can see you. Position yourself to be visible, but plan escape routes in case they don't react.

What drivers should know

• Cyclists aren't slower than you think — a road cyclist at 30 km/h in a 50 km/h zone needs only a few seconds of patience, not a risky overtake.
• Check mirrors before opening doors — "dooring" is one of the most dangerous things a parked driver can do. Use the Dutch Reach: open the door with your far hand, forcing your body to turn and check.
• Give at least 1.5 m when passing — this is the law in most EU countries. If you can't give 1.5 m, wait until you can.
• Expect cyclists at junctions — especially when turning right (in right-hand traffic). Cyclists in a bike lane are easy to forget when you're focused on other cars.

Shared responsibility

Aggression and impatience kill people. Most cycling accidents involve a failure of attention, not malice. Both sides benefit from assuming the other person is doing their best — and from reducing the number of moments where one mistake is fatal.

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