City divided over 'share the road' campaign

The campaign aims to encourage motorists and cyclists to "share the roads" in Hull responsibly

A safety campaign encouraging motorists and cyclists to "share the roads" in Hull responsibly has met with a mixed reaction from locals.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, the city council's lead for transportation, roads and highways, said the campaign was not about lecturing people, or catching people out.

"We are all just trying to get somewhere and we all have a part to play when it comes to safety on the city's highway network," he said.

The campaign is part of the council's efforts to make the city more cycle-friendly.

A BBC Facebook post about the campaign attracted almost 200 comments.

One post said it appeared to be a "one-way transaction", with no requirement for cyclists to do their bit.

"It's a good idea to blend in with your surroundings by wearing all black and no lights. That way you can only be seen at the last minute," the post read.

Another wrote: "Cyclists wobble all over the place and pull out in front of you without any warning expecting car drivers to give them what they consider their right of way."

However, some took a more nuanced approach to sharing the roads.

"There are good and bad drivers and riders [using] all types of transport," one person said.

"Just remember on two wheels most accidents are fatal. All need to take care."

Others pointed out that many cyclists also drive cars and had better awareness than someone "who travels exclusively in a two-tonne steel killing machine".

"It's drivers who kill other road users, not cyclists," they added.

One person claimed there was conflict because many cyclists were not making use of cycle lanes

Look North viewers also shared their thoughts by email.

Sue said: "Cyclists will earn respect from me when they wear helmets, don't cycle on pavements, jump red traffics lights and only ride two abreast."

Meanwhile, Cheryl said many cyclists did not use the dedicated cycle paths, "resulting in increased conflict and a lack of tolerance for cyclists".

Paula questioned why cyclists, many of whom also drove cars, behaved differently "as soon as they slip on their Lycra".

Ed Neilson urged everyone to follow the rules of the road

Bike shop owner Ed Neilson said cyclists were all being "tarred with the same brush".

He said there was a huge difference between the cyclists who ride out and about at a weekend for sport and people dressed in black riding through the middle of Hull.

"I see these people ride through red lights and it's terrifying and I totally agree with every motorist who is upset by that," he said.

However, he said one of his colleagues was nearly knocked off while riding in a cycle lane by a motorist cutting across to enter a place of work.

"When he stopped to remonstrate, the driver said 'I bet you are one of these cyclists who go through red lights'," he added.

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