Britain's worst drivers - according to cyclists

Range Rover drivers have been hailed as the worst motorists on the road, according to a new survey. Drivers of the 4x4 have developed a terrible reputation for tailgating the car in front to encourage them to go faster.

In fact, 51 per cent of the 2,000 cyclists polled by www.50cycles.com say Range Rover drivers suffer from road rage and unnecessary aggression.

Range Rovers have taken over from white van drivers, who have held the title of worst motorists for years. The stereotypical ‘white van man’, who drives a Ford Transit Van and drives thoughtlessly along Britain’s streets, now takes second place in the poll.

Despite cleaning up their act a bit, a whopping 49 per cent of cyclists say they have witnessed white van drivers tailgating other drivers.

Third place goes to BMW drivers, who are considered smug and inconsiderate by cyclists. Forty five per cent of cyclists say BMW drivers weave in and out of lanes, undertaking wherever possible in a bid to beat the traffic.

And elderly people take fourth place in the poll; 21 per cent of cyclists claim they drive too slowly and 47 per cent say they don’t pay any attention to what is going on around them.

Scott Snaith, spokesman for www.50cycles.com said: “Our customers are now reporting a definite reduction of road traffic on the roads and a gradual increase of spotting electric cycles instead.

“We are really surprised by the huge increase in Sales over the last 12 months especially since the benchmark figure of £1 per litre was broken, and the recent news of congestion charging not only in London but Manchester and six counties in the Midlands”.

Interestingly, all 4x4 drivers are placed at number five for suffering from road rage as a staggering 42 per cent of cyclists have seen 4x4 motorists drive recklessly.

Red cars, white cars, black cars are all targeted for overtaking on corners, pulling out from junctions too quickly and lack of attention.

Bus drivers appeared at number nine for unnerving cyclists and driving too close to the curb, whilst lorry drivers complete the top 10 for failing to look in their mirrors.

Scott Snaith continues: ‘’We believe that electric bikes will never replace cars but will result in a reduction in use that will see families using the car for weekend outings and special occasions.

He adds: “The startling figures in this poll should gradually improve as the roads become less crowded and motorist become more aware of all cyclists.”

Eight out of 10 cyclists say they feel vulnerable and in danger when riding on the road, and 68 per cent often resort to riding on the pavements to avoid bad drivers.

Cyclists worry most about navigating roundabouts (48 per cent), whilst 46 per cent worry about blind bends and 30 per cent get nervous approaching junctions.

TOP 20 WORST DRIVERS:

1. Range Rovers – tailgating and road rage
2. White Van Drivers – aggressive tailgating
3. BMW – smug and weave in and out of traffic
4. Elderly people – too slow and don’t pay attention
5. All 4x4 drivers – road rage and driving recklessly
6. Red cars – overtaking on corners
7. White cars – pulling out from junctions too quickly
8. Black cars – drivers don’t pay attention
9. Bus drivers – drive too close to the curb
10. Lorry drivers – don’t look in their mirrors
11. Land Rovers – lane changers
12. Silver cars – driving too quickly
13. Mercedes – don’t brake for roundabouts
14. Sports cars – don’t brake for junctions
15. Motorbikes – queue jumpers
16. Jaguar – speeding
17. Porsche – don’t signal for lane changing
18. Women – don’t look in mirrors for the right reasons
19. Audi – approach traffic lights too quickly
20. Men – erratic and suffer from road rage

ENDS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Scott Snaith, 50cycles: 07779 266953 or 50cycles@50cycles.com

Notes to editors
50cycles is based in Leicestershire and was founded by brothers Scott and Tim Snaith. The cycles are designed and developed in Germany using the latest Japanese Panasonic Technology. Chairman Scott has world-class knowledge of the electric bike industry while CEO Tim has had an eleven-year career in on-line marketing and television. See www.50cycles.com for more details.