Cyclists have a better knowledge of road safety than drivers, a study has found.

A Cambridge law firm, Irwin Mitchell, quizzed 7,000 people on the issue as part of Road Safety Week and the results reveal that much of the population is well versed in correct road etiquette and the laws – though there is still a large number who are unaware of correct behaviour.

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Of the eight questions asked, however, cyclists scored 70 per cent correctly with drivers scoring only 58 per cent.

95 per cent knew all the traffic signs and 86 per cent correctly said that cyclists are not required to wear protective clothing – an issue that came to light recently when Chris Boardman didn’t wear a helmet for a BBC cycling safety piece.

The results demonstrate, according the law firm’s partner Neil Whiteley, that “there is a need for motorists in particular to be more aware about the rules governing cyclists on UK roads.”

He added: “Often there are issues between road users which may arise from a lack of understanding about the correct approach or rules that apply to each other.”