RISING tensions between drivers and cyclists on the lanes of a county which has seen “an explosion in cycling” have been exposed, as councillors called for both groups of road users to change their behaviour.

During a debate on the rise in fatalities on North Yorkshire’s roads last year, county council members were told the authority was targeting work on reducing cycling casualties and had launched a range of initiatives to tackle friction between drivers and cyclists.

The authority’s transport, economy and environment scrutiny committee heard while motorists were speeding in rural areas, so were cyclists.

Schemes launched following the county hosting cycle races such as the Tour de Yorkshire ranged from showing drivers safe passing distances and installing danger signs to creating virtual cycling routes on its websites.

Council assistant director Barrie Mason said: “We really welcome the increase in cycling, it’s got health benefits, it’s got tourism benefits.”

Mr Mason added it was evident cyclists’ behaviour ranged similarly to that of motorists, from the conscientious to those who completely ignored others.

He said the authority was also talking to cycling and motorists groups about their behaviour, safety, the planning of routes and particularly challenging areas for cyclists.

Councillor Caroline Patmore: “It is the behaviour of cyclists that is the problem. They don’t seem to enjoy the countryside. All they do is speed and it’s not just two abreast, sometimes it’s three or four on very narrow roads. This is not good for motorists following them up a hill. When you do overtake them you get a rude gesture.”

The committee’s chairman, Councillor Mike Jordan, a cycling club member, said: “Ten years ago we wouldn’t have had this conversation at all. It was all cars. Because cyclists are starting to use the road everybody is moaning now.”

Life-long cyclist Councillor Stanley Lumley said it was disappointing that all cyclists were being tarred with the same brush and motorists needed to show tolerance.

He said: “I think there could be an improvement with the cycling population which has exploded over the last ten years. It’s a great thing, but it needs management and education to go along with that.”