A survey of car drivers showed that three-quarters of those questioned want cyclists to take a test before being allowed on the roads.

Tim Whitmarsh, manager for British triathlon team, Carlisle: They don’t need to. Most of the cyclists I know are qualified drivers and know how to follow the Highway Code and already have a licence.

Instead I think motorists should have to undertake an awareness course to educate them of the dangers they pose to cyclists.

One of the biggest issues is cyclists riding side by side and blocking the road for motorists.


Tim Whitmarsh In reality, this is safer than riding in single file because you are not stretched out along the road.

It is quicker and easier to overtake a group bunched in twos.

Motorists also have to learn what is the right amount of distance to give when overtaking a cyclist.

There was an incident recently when a cyclist was badly injured because they were hit on the back of the head by the wing mirror of a lorry as it overtook.

The cycling infrastructure we have in place is a bonus. It has made it safer. We have space in Carlisle for more. The more people we can get on bikes, the more it will free up our roads.

Cumbria has its hot-spots for cyclists, like anywhere else, but most people will use B roads rather than the main roads. They are quieter and better for cycling.


Carol WestmorlandCarol Westmorland, champion cyclist, Brampton: On the whole, the cyclists I cycle with are disciplined and would not find it a problem to get a licence.

People who compete are used to following rules and regulations but when it comes to people who do not, it is a question of how they are governed without putting them off.

People use their bikes to get fit or to commute and we shouldn’t put them off. It takes so little to put them off.

Some people are intimidated by cycling on the road but they are entitled.

It shouldn’t be ‘them and us’. On the whole, motorists are happy to see us on the road, though there are a few that let the side down.

When you see the ones that are cross with you, you can see they don’t go on a bike and that they don’t like us.

Some lorry drivers were asked to be cyclists for a day and they were ashamed at the way that cyclists were treated.

Cycle paths are limited and it can be more dangerous coming out of a cycle lane than it is to ride along the road.

It is a case of live and let live.


Brian PorterBrian Porter, cycling campaigner, Carlisle: No other country in the world does this. Cyclists don’t cause accidents – it’s the car drivers who cause the majority of accidents where pedestrians are involved.

Most people wouldn’t bother cycling if they thought they had to go through a so-called test. So it could have a huge effect on the NHS, because the health benefits that cycling brings are absolutely enormous.

I’m 84 and my doctor tells me I’m as fit as most people in their 60s or even 50s. The cost of cycling stopping would be millions and millions.

King’s College London have done research showing that people who cycle regularly are biologically 10 years younger than anyone else. There’s a significantly lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, all types of cancer, blood pressure and obesity. If you have a test that will all be lost.

Cycling is a major tourism industry now. Just about every week I’ll see cyclists who aren’t British. Are they going to have to do a test before they can come into the country?

I think it’s important to teach children how to cycle safely but for adults it wouldn’t happen.

It would cost a huge amount to bring in a test for cyclists. And who on earth is going to test them?


Chris Lloyd

Chris Lloyd, cyclist, Hallbankgate: People should be encouraged rather than discouraged to cycle and having a test would be extremely off-putting for many of them.

There are plenty of people who would like to have a go at cycling, and if they had to take a test first they might not bother.

I think it’s really important that people know the Highway Code and the rules of the road, and Bikeability courses are very good at teaching children to be safe. But putting extra obstacles in the way is a bad idea. If you look at places like Holland, everybody cycles, they are very relaxed about it and they don’t feel the need for a test.

Once we have more cyclists on the roads cycling will inevitably become safer, but we are unlikely to reach that tipping point with legislation that will deter.

Many people are frightened of cycling because of the traffic – so if a test were needed before they could even give it a try they just wouldn’t do it.

Cycling reduces pollution and keeps people fit, and if you discourage it you will lose those potential benefits.

This sounds like something suggested by someone who doesn’t like cyclists. I hope it never happens!