One cyclist injured every day on Cambridgeshire's roads new safety campaign aimed at drivers and riders reveals

Last year (2015), three cyclists were killed, 74 seriously injured and 367 injured across the county.

Officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit (RPU) hope the latest Think! Cyclist campaign will encourage drivers and cyclists to look out for each other through highlighting the common ground between wheeled road users, and giving advice and tips on staying safe, visible and alert on the road.

RPU Inspector Philip Bloor said: “Drivers and cyclists are more alike than they think with 80 per cent of cyclists holding a driving licence and one in five drivers cycling at least once a month.

“The purpose of this campaign is to educate and remind drivers and cyclists that they have equal responsibility on the road to drive and ride safely.

“Any death or injury on our roads is one too many and, along with partner agencies, we are committed to making Cambridgeshire roads safer for everyone.”

Messages for motorists:

* Look out for cyclists, especially when turning – make eye contact if possible so they know you’ve seen them.

* Use your indicators – signal your intentions so that cyclists can react.

* Give cyclists space when over taking them, leaving as much room as you would give a car. If there isn’t sufficient room to pass, hold back. Remember that cyclists may need to manoeuvre suddenly if the road is poor, it’s windy or if a car door is opened.

* Always check for cyclists when you open your car door.

* Advanced stop lines allow cyclists to get in front and increase their visibility. You must stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red to allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.

* Follow the Highway Code

Messages for cyclists:

* Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb – look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you.

* Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen.

* Always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor.

* Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and accessories in the dark increases your visibility.

* Follow the Highway Code

* Think! Recommends wearing a correctly fitted cycle helmet, which is securely fastened and conforms to current regulations.