Drivers' attitudes towards cyclists: what do they really think?

Majority of drivers want safer roads for cyclists, our research finds

• 79% of drivers think cyclists are at high risk on roads
• 67% of drivers want better cycle infrastructure in their city
• Nearly a third of drivers (28%) have expressed frustration at cyclists while driving
• 21% of drivers have had a near miss with a cyclist in the last 12 months

Ask any car driver about cyclists, and they’re likely to have an opinion. Be it positive or negative, we’ve conducted new research into drivers’ attitudes towards sharing the road with cyclists to find out more.

We found that drivers mostly acknowledge how vulnerable cyclists are on the road, but that there are still moments of unease when sharing the road with them. Nearly four-fifths (79%) of drivers believe that cyclists are at high risk on roads, with almost two-thirds (64%) stating that cyclists should avoid busy roads where possible.

Drivers were divided when we asked them if they think cyclists follow traffic rules; over two-fifths (44%) believed they do not, while 41% agreed they do. Drivers are conscious of cyclist safety, though, with 82% believing that cyclists put themselves at risk by not using lights, reflective gear, or protective equipment.

Our research also uncovered that drivers have a high level of unease when sharing a road with cyclists. Over half (56%) of them said they feel uneasy encountering cyclists, with two-fifths (38%) even believing that cyclists should not ride on the road at all. 

Almost a third (28%) of drivers admitted to expressing frustration to cyclists while driving through honking, shouting, or gesturing, while one in four (24%) even admitted to taking risks to pass a cyclist quickly. Perhaps most alarmingly, over one in five drivers (21%) admitted to having a near miss with a cyclist within the last 12 months.

Nearly half (49%) said they felt frustrated or nervous when sharing a road with cyclists, with Gen-Z drivers feeling the most nervousness. Interestingly, 53% of Gen-Z drivers said this, followed by 50% of those aged 55+ and 48% of those in the 35-44 category.

Which cities have the most frustration towards cyclists?

We also uncovered the cities where frustration, unease, and nervousness towards cyclists is highest. Belfast came out on top, closely followed by Southampton and Nottingham.

Which cities are friendliest with cyclists?

On the other hand, we found that Newcastle is the friendliest city towards cyclists, with only 35% of Geordie drivers expressing frustration towards them. Liverpool and Edinburgh complete the top three.

Which car owners are the most frustrated with cyclists?

Our research also found which car brand owners expressed the most frustration with cyclists. Hyundai drivers topped the list with 53%), closely followed by MG (52%) and Tesla (51.3%) owners.

Interestingly, drivers' knowledge of cyclists and the Highway Code is high, with 78% of drivers in our survey stating that they are confident that they know the traffic rules and Highway Code rules that apply to cyclists. In addition, the majority of drivers (90%) feel confident in how to overtake and share the road with cyclists. If drivers were to be involved in an accident with a cyclist, over half (56%) would know what to do, with just one in six (16%) saying they wouldn’t.

Despite some drivers' frustrations towards cyclists, many do encourage more cycle infrastructure in their local area. More than two-thirds (67%) support the building of more bike lanes in their area, with 55% also stating that cycle infrastructure improves road safety for all. Encouragingly, over two-thirds (69%) believe more education on cycling safety would benefit drivers, and similarly, two in five (40%) drivers agree that cyclists help reduce congestion.

Which cities support more cycling infrastructure the most?

We also looked at which UK cities support better cycling infrastructure. Sheffield topped the list with 84% of drivers there supporting better infrastructure. Interestingly, Sheffield City Council recently launched the Connecting Sheffield project, which aims to create more cycle paths and pedestrian areas in the city. 

Plymouth (75%) and Cardiff (73%) completed the top three cities with the most support.

Alan Thomas, CEO at Cycleplan, said: "Our research highlights drivers' perception of cyclists and how vulnerable they are on roads. Some drivers feel nervous sharing the road with cyclists; however, it's encouraging to see that most have the knowledge to act responsibly. There is a need for better education and investment in cycling infrastructure to ensure the safety of drivers and cyclists on the roads."

Alan has also given guidance on how cyclists and drivers can share the road safely:

1. Keep your distance

Drivers should allow 1.5m between their car and cyclists when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and avoid close passes.

2. Be patient and observant

Cyclists may need to swerve to avoid hazards. Always check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.

3. Stay visible

Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and use bike lights, especially in low light, to make themselves visible to drivers. Drivers must maintain vigilance towards cyclists. Drivers should always check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes. 

4. Follow the rules of the Highway Code

The Highway Code prioritises vulnerable users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, recognising their increased risk in collisions.  This means that drivers must give cyclists space, be patient at junctions and anticipate cyclists' movements. For cyclists, you must signal clearly, use cycle lanes where possible and follow traffic rules, lights, signs and road markings.

5. Share the road respectfully

Cyclists and drivers must respect each other's rights to the road to ensure safety for all on the roads.

Methodology

Cycleplan conducted a Censuswide survey of 1,000 drivers to understand their feelings and attitudes towards cyclists. The data is accurate as of September 2025.