The Scottish Executive has set an objective to increase cycling as a mode of transport for people of all ages. The aims of this research were to explore the attitudes of drivers and cyclists towards sharing road space and to identity areas where conflict may occur; and to establish the barriers to viewing others as equal road users and make recommendations to overcome these. The research was qualitative in nature and involved in-depth interviews and focus groups with different types of road users in two urban areas in Scotland. Both cyclists and drivers considered that public service vehicles should have highest priority on the road. Drivers did not generally agree with cyclists having priority on the road and resented the cost of facilities for cyclists. Better education of drivers and a more tolerant attitude were considered necessary to promote cycling.
Abstract