Chris Boardman delighted with response to safe overtaking videos

Chris Boardman says the response to two videos he featured in about road safety is ‘extremely encouraging’, with support coming from cyclists and motoring groups alike.

The videos, made by Carlton Reid in collaboration with British Cycling, feature Boardman explaining safe overtaking procedure and why cyclists ride two abreast.

The first video, titled ‘Space’, has been viewed 300,000 times in its first seven days online, with support coming from the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group and Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association.

“The response so far has been extremely encouraging,” Boardman said. “Our aim was to make people more aware of rule 163 of the Highway Code. The fact that over 300,000 people have already viewed the video online suggests that there is a genuine desire for a culture of mutual respect on our roads to thrive.

“Getting more people on their bikes will have a series of benefits for this country, and ensuring that the roads are safe places for cyclists is a crucial step towards this.”

Martin Key, campaigns manager for British Cycling, said: “We were very pleased to support the video, and are delighted to see the impact it has already made across the media and social media channels.

“It is good to see our attempts to raise awareness of the current rules and to encourage a culture of mutual respect on our roads is getting traction. However, it is also vital that this is combined with clear action from government in making our roads and junctions safer for everyone who uses them.”