Get informed

What’s the problem?

Put simply, bad driving is using a motor vehicle in a way that is inconsiderate and puts others at risk.

Stop SMIDSY aims to address the far too common attitude that simply saying ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ somehow erases an act of bad driving. This is not true and it must be stopped.

How we’re campaigning to stop bad driving

CTC has long campaigned for the rights of cyclists to use Britain’s roads safely. Our Safety in Numbers research found that the more cyclists there are in a given area, the lower the risk of cycling. We also found that fear is one of the main reasons that people don’t cycle. To get more cyclists on our roads, we need to make our roads feel safer.

The police, prosecutors and the courts all contribute to protecting us from criminal behaviour on the roads. Much of the time, they are effective and many bad drivers are prosecuted and receive the appropriate penalties. Yet, unfortunately some bad drivers go unpunished due to what CTC perceives as occasional failings of these institutions. This can send out the message that driving inconsiderately or in a way that puts others at risk is acceptable.

Stop SMIDSY will look at how these institutions could do a better job at encouraging people to drive in safer and more considerate ways. But before we go to these institutions, we need proof of how they need to improve. That’s where you come in. We need you to report your experiences of bad driving using Stop SMIDSY.

If you report that you would like legal advice, we will send your information to our lawyers. They will contact you within seven days if they think you have a case.

How does this work?

CTC, the national cycling charity

CTC inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone.

  • We provide expert, practical help and advice.
  • We support individuals and communities.
  • We protect cyclists’ interests.
  • We campaign to make cycling mainstream and to remove the things that stop people cycling.
  • We help people develop the confidence and skills to cycle.
  • We promote the benefits of cycling to individuals, to society and to the economy.

Join & support us – 0844 736 8451