Letter I am sending out to various newspapers

Dear Sir,

I feel strongly that much more needs to be done to make cycling safer in Hampshire. There is only so much bright clothing, reflectors and lights can help - now we need to draw an intelligent understanding of the data both the Police and the Dept. For Transport record yearly and accept that driving habits have to change. Infrastructure desperately needs to improve.

The usual complaint is that cyclists must change. I put it to everyone that we have, and it is making little difference to the KSIs, in places they have even risen. There has been a knock-on effect caused by bad driving meaning that many simply wont cycle, a stubborn majority of people like myself will and do so legally, but a minority have been scared off the road on to pavements.

To tackle the pavement abusers we have to first make the roads a tolerant and receptive environment.

Every cyclist will tell you they have had close overtakes, have been cut up, some have been knocked off. The evidence is mounting so I ask of non-cyclists:

...please take the time to check it is safe before pulling out of side roads/junctions. Please give cyclists a moment to pull away at junctions and don't force your way through. Please give cyclists space when overtaking (3 feet is the bare minimum at 20-30mph, wider at higher speeds). Please do not tailgate. Please respect that cyclists have the right to a road, and that cycle paths may not be suitable for all or faster cyclists.

A cyclists place is on the road, historically and legally. Obviously I would implore unlit cyclists to get lights, and pavement and red light abusers to refrain. However these tend not to be the cyclists who end up in KSI stats.

Many thanks!

(If anyone wants to join me in the campaign you are free to use this as an inspiration, etc please do so!! Lets get the message out)