Cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, pedestrians – all these road users are classed as vulnerable road users. Unlike a car or a van, these road users have nothing surrounding them to offer protection against a collision or accident. Even a small or minor collision could result in serious or life threatening injuries for any of these road users.

Whenever and wherever you drive:

- Watch your speed

- Expect to encounter different road users

- Be patient. Give others time and room

- Be ready for others to make mistakes

- Concentrate on your driving

- Never drive and use a mobile phone. You can easily be distracted from concentrating on     the road

- Consider taking advanced driver training.

Everyone has the right to use the roads safely and confidently and we all have a part to play to make sure all road users can do so. Be patient when approaching a horse rider or as you overtake a cyclists. Take a few extra seconds to look again before exiting a junction, motorcyclists can appear further away than they are due to their size. Always expect the unexpected and be aware of your surroundings.

Since the lockdown, more people have been cycling on rural and urban roads for their daily exercise and for commuting to and from work. The new normal of active travel and its effect on our health, wellbeing and the environment is playing its part in more cyclists and pedestrians on our roads. Remember, we’re all in it together as we use the same roads. Share them and respect other road users around them.

For more information on vulnerable road users and useful tips on how you can play your part in protecting these road users, read the RoSPA Factsheet.