Myths and facts
We recently held a number of focus groups with car drivers from different locations in Scotland to plan for this year’s cycling road safety campaign.
Some misconceptions about cycling came up again and again – which could go some way to explain the resentment some people feel towards people on bikes.
We thought it might help to share the truths behind the myths.
Myth: Cyclists shouldn’t be in the middle of the road
Fact: It’s legal for people to cycle in the middle of a lane and it’s sometimes the safest place.
Myth: Cyclists don't pay road tax
Fact: Everyone pays for our roads through general and local taxation.
Myth: There’s no cycle proficiency training these days.
Fact: Cycle proficiency training is still happening in schools across Scotland… it’s just called something else now - Bikeability Scotland.
Myth: Cars have right of way over bikes
Fact: People on bikes have equal rights to people in any vehicle.
Myth: Cycling two abreast is illegal
Fact: It’s legal for people to cycle side by side on roads in Scotland.