Boris Johnson on his bike. Motorists would like to see more cycle lanes

Most drivers think there are not enough cycle lanes even though spending money on special cycle facilities could reduce the road space available for motorists, a survey of more than 20,000 drivers has revealed.

A majority of drivers also think cyclists have good grounds to feel aggrieved at the way they are treated by motorists.

Edmund King, president of the AA, told The Times that the findings of the AA-Populus survey of members of the biggest motoring organisation may seem counter-intuitive.

But the growth of cycling in recent years had left many motorists feeling “insecure” and unsure how to interact with cyclists. Clearly-defined cycle lanes would put motorists at ease and remove cyclists from danger.

Mr King, himself a keen cyclist, told a major road