Cycle training organisation BikeRight! delivers a Safe
Urban Driving course aimed at professional drivers. With
concern about safety on the road being an oft-cited
reason for low take-up of cycling, and with incidents
involving an HGV and a cyclist disproportionately likely
to result in a cyclist fatality, changing driver behaviour,
alongside other safety measures, is an important factor
in encouraging cycling and reducing risk.
The investigation comprises a pilot study of qualitative
research aiming to evaluate and understand the ways in
which the course influences the attitudes and behaviour
of drivers, and to trial an approach to researching the
impact of such courses. It comprises six semi-structured
interviews with HGV drivers who had participated in the
Safe Urban Driving course, an interview with a course
coordinator, and participant observation of a one-day
Safe Urban Driving course. An Internet-based survey of
previous course participants received nine responses and
added further information about participants’ reactions
to the course, including learning points and changes in
driving practice
