There can often be friction between car drivers and cyclists in Nottingham. Driving instructors need to instil an attitude of tolerance in new drivers towards cyclists in the interests of safety. Cyclists can be less predictable in their movements than cars and are much more vulnerable having no vehicle around them for protection. They share road space with vehicles much larger than themselves moving at lethal speeds so consideration must be shown towards them.

Cyclistsare vulnerable to poor road surfaces such as pot holes and debris. Driving instructors need to teach new drivers to expect the unexpected as cyclists may swerve suddenly to avoid obstacles. Large vehicles can make cyclists nervous which can cause them to wobble. Always give the cyclist as much room as you would a small car. Theremust be a reasonable margin for error in any driving situation. Drains and gutters will cause a cyclist to move away from the kerb so don't drive beside them on a narrow street. Stay behind them, pick the correct moment and overtake promptly.

Look for clues as to what will happen next. If a cyclist looks back over their shoulder then you can anticipate that they move to the right in order to make a turn or to move passed a parked vehicle. Sometimes arm signals will be used by cyclists so watch out for these. In return make sure you give signals in good time so they can be seen by cyclists and acted upon. This is especially important when turning left with a cyclist on the inside. If you are stationary in trafficbefore turning left always check the door mirror before making the turn.

As they are exposed, cyclists are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and this needs to be taken into account by car drivers. Itcan be difficult to empathise when you are sitting in a warm car with the stereo on. Strong winds can make steering difficult on a bike and the blast of air from large vehicles passing too closely can play havoc with steering. Heavy rain can virtually blind cyclists so give them room. Make sure you don't dazzle them with full beam headlightsat night.

Driving instructors Arnold Nottingham can help foster an attitude of tolerance from an early part of driver training which can last throughout the learners entire driving career. Pointing out the difficulties experienced by cyclists and relating it to questions included in the theory test can be useful. As cyclists are encountered during driving lessons Arnold Nottingham instructors can help learners to anticipate their actions so they can be planned for in advance, creating a safer driving situation.